Lady Catherine Stepney

myminifactory

This marble sculpture was carved by Richard Cockle Lucas (1800-83) around 1836. Lady Catherine Stepney (1778-1845), a renowned novelist and influential London society hostess, is vividly depicted as Cleopatra, Egypt's legendary queen, with the asp that she famously used to end her life coiling menacingly around her right arm. The exquisite bust was graciously bequeathed to the Museum by one of Lady Stepney's descendants, Miss Dorothy Manners. Lady Stepney, a celebrated novelist and gracious hostess for London's writers and artists, is here immortalized as Cleopatra, Egypt's revered queen. The asp, which symbolizes her tragic demise, wraps menacingly around her right arm. A personal letter from David Wilkie (1785-1841), dated 27 April 1836, chronicles the installation of this bust at the Royal Academy. "The bust of your Ladyship is placed on the right hand as you enter near the centre between the door and the window," writes Wilkie, "Sir Francis Chantrey having taken as much care as he could of it. If the bust is adapted for that light, it is in other respects an excellent situation and on a level with the eye." The bust was generously bequeathed to the Museum by a descendant of the esteemed sitter. Richard Cockle Lucas (1800-1883), the talented sculptor behind this masterpiece, is primarily known for his exceptional work in wax and ivory. However, he also excelled in glass, marble, and bronze, as well as being an accomplished painter. Lucas began his career as a sculptor under the guidance of his uncle, a skilled cutler from Winchester who specialized in carving knife handles. He joined the Royal Academy Schools in 1828 and studied under the renowned Richard Westmacott. Gallery location: Sculpture, Room 22, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries, case P1 This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World," a groundbreaking non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory. Through this community-driven project, we are creating a comprehensive digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access freely. Scan The World is an open-source, collaborative effort, and if you have interesting items around you that you'd like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London