The Copper Horse: George III as a Roman Emperor

The Copper Horse: George III as a Roman Emperor

Photo: Sirpecangum / Wikimedia Commons , CC BY-SA 3.0 , resized

At the southern end of Windsor Great Park's Long Walk, a monumental bronze statue of George III stands on a massive stone plinth at Snow Hill.

The Copper Horse statue, a masterpiece of the renowned Richard Westmacott, was not finally installed until 31 October 1831, over a year after the death of George IV. Perched atop a stone plinth on Snow Hill, it stands tall within Windsor Great Park at the southern end of the Long Walk. Despite its prominent position, the Long Walk itself was created by Charles II. The statue's massive stone pedestal is oriented east-west, proudly showcasing the inscription 'Georgio Tertio / Patri optimo / Georgius Rex'.

Cast from bronze melted from 25 tons of obsolete brass cannons, The Copper Horse was a key turning point in the revival of bronze statuary in the UK. The monumental statue, about 26 ft high, depicts George III in the style of a Roman emperor, wearing a laurel wreath and toga, riding without stirrups. It stands as a grand tribute to the King, positioned so he gestures north towards Windsor Castle.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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