Survey Data
Reg No
50100239
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1870 - 1875
Coordinates
316422, 233580
Date Recorded
17/02/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Bronze statue of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, atop tiered plinth and dated 1871. Figure of Albert is robed and dressed in medieval/Tudor style, holding book in left hand, right hand free, and standing on thin bronze octagonal-plan base. Base inscribed 'J.H. Foley. R.A. London. 1871.' Octagonal-plan stepped plinth of Portland stone, upper stage having moulded cornice and frieze with bronze Tudor roses; next stage having stepped coping and moulded base over further stage having four octagonal projections to alternate faces, with carved cornices and bases and supporting bronze statues of youths, representing Art, Industry, Agriculture and Science; lowest stage of monument comprises two cut stone steps. Bronze crown and motto to east and west faces of monument, to tier that supports four figures.
Appraisal
This monument is the work of the important Victorian sculptor, John Henry Foley, also responsible for the Daniel O'Connell monument in Dublin and the Albert Memorial in London. Standing on the lawn of Leinster House, it is an accomplished work of art, comprising bronze statuary and a complex stone plinth. The quality of the casting is of a very high order. Prince Albert's association with the Royal Dublin Society, and his promotion of the arts and industry, make his presence at this location appropriate. The national cultural institutions in this precinct (National Library, National Gallery, National Museum and Natural History Museum), as well as the former Lecture Hall of the RDS (now the chamber for Dáil Éireann) recall the key role of the RDS in the national cultural scene.