Oliver Cromwell

myminifactory

Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) played a pivotal role in British history, making him a frequent subject in 18th-century British sculpture. This bust is likely based on a plaster cast of his face, created for his funeral effigy. It also showcases Wilton's appreciation for ancient Roman sculpture, which he studied extensively during his time in Italy. Joseph Wilton was born in London but honed his craft in the Netherlands, France, and Italy from 1744 to 1755. In 1761, he was appointed Statuary to His Majesty George III, and two years later became a founding member of the Royal Academy. However, when he inherited a substantial legacy from his father in 1768, Wilton's focus on sculpture waned; by 1793, he had gone bankrupt. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe. Scan the World is an open-source community effort, inviting anyone with interesting items to contribute by emailing stw@myminifactory.com to learn how they can help. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.