Sculpture of the Day: Queen Victoria, 1888

Queen Victoria
Marble, 1888
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Speaking of busts of Queen Victoria, this one would have also been a very welcome addition to my collection, but I doubt the V & A would be willing to part with it. Created the year after her Golden Jubilee (1888), this marble bust was sculpted by Count Gleichin.


In addition to her the small diamond crown which she preferred over the larger Imperial crown, Victoria is shown wearing the badge of the Imperial Order of the Star of India and the Royal Red Cross (instituted in 1883).

Gleichin, who became a sculptor later in life after losing his fortune, quickly became highly regarded for his brilliant work and his ability to create extremely lifelike figures. This bust is an excellent example of his work.