Monument to Emily Georgiana, Lady Winchilsea

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This monument was created by Lawrence Macdonald in 1850 as part of a series of dynastic monuments honoring the Finch family. Lady Winchilsea's untimely death at age thirty-nine is immortalized in an elegant neo-classical style, with poignant inscriptions that evoke the sorrow of her early passing. The sculpture was crafted by Scottish sculptor Lawrence Macdonald, who trained in Edinburgh but spent most of his life working and living in Rome. He regularly exhibited his works at the Royal Academy in London and the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, also showcasing his art at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Prince Albert was a patron of his work, commissioning ideal sculpture for Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. This monument stands out as one of Macdonald's most highly regarded creations, exemplifying the classicizing style that dominated sculpture well into the mid-19th century. Other monuments to Finch family members once housed in St Mary's Church, Eastwell, Kent, are now safely preserved at the V&A. The church unfortunately fell into disrepair and collapsed in the 1960s, but the monuments were rescued and brought to the museum at that time. Additionally, two busts of great-grandsons of Sir Moyle and Lady Finch, Daniel Finch and his brother Canon Edward Finch, are also on display at the V&A. Gallery Location: Sculpture, Room 24, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries, case FSCourtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London