The Statue in Leicester Square.
[Anon., c1872.]
Watercolour with attached woodcut from 'Punch, or the London Charivari', sheet 600 x 470mm (23½ x 18½"). On paper with Whatman 1820 watermark.
In around 1784 an equestian statue of George I, previously at Canons in Middlesex, was moved to Leicester Square. As the condition of the square deteriorated so did that of the statue. In 1866 practical jokers painted the horse with spots, placed a dunce's hat (from the nearby Alhambra Theatre) on the monarch's head, and lodged a broomstick in the crook of his arm. The statue was sold for £16 in 1872 and removed from the square.
[Ref: 39685] £380.00
Watercolour with attached woodcut from 'Punch, or the London Charivari', sheet 600 x 470mm (23½ x 18½"). On paper with Whatman 1820 watermark.
In around 1784 an equestian statue of George I, previously at Canons in Middlesex, was moved to Leicester Square. As the condition of the square deteriorated so did that of the statue. In 1866 practical jokers painted the horse with spots, placed a dunce's hat (from the nearby Alhambra Theatre) on the monarch's head, and lodged a broomstick in the crook of his arm. The statue was sold for £16 in 1872 and removed from the square.
[Ref: 39685] £380.00