Portrait of Joshua Ward

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This figure of the celebrated quack doctor Joshua Ward (1686-1761) may have been intended for a monument in Westminster Abbey, which in the event was never erected. Joshua Ward made his fortune from popular patent medicines, known as Ward's Drop and Pill, and counted among his patients George II, Lord Chesterfield, and Henry Fielding. He was also a renowned philanthropist, opening two hospitals for the poor. His hand gesture may indicate open-hearted generosity, while his bulky figure suggests worldly prosperity. The sculpture was presented to the Royal Society of Arts in 1793, where it remained until its acquisition by the Museum. Carlini was a native of Genoa and worked in the Netherlands from 1748 to about 1753 before arriving in Britain around 1760. He was a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768. In Holland, he had been employed as a decorative wood-carver; in England, his work was largely in marble, including funerary monuments, a bust of George III, and decorative heads for Somerset House. The life-size marble figure depicts Joshua Ward standing, resting on his right foot, with his left leg extended. His slippered foot slightly oversteps the marble base, which has a narrow support of marble underneath. His left elbow leans on a plain block while his right arm is outstretched. Ward's waistcoat, held by three buttons with six undone, strains across the cast torso. His full-length great-coat is swathed about his figure, emphasizing the swelling form of the whole. Details such as the wig, lace cuffs, and cravat are broadly carved rather than executed in fine detail. Gallery location: Sculpture, Room 24, The Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries, case FS This object is part of "Scan The World." Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort. If you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London