Awarded the silver medal in the same year for a drawing of the outline of Antinous

Background to the RSA's history

Background to the RSA's history

The figure representing manufactures and commerce is carrying English broad cloth to rocky shores. The figure of Minerva, representing arts, is holding a shield bearing the Gorgon's head and a spear. The figure of Ceres is holding a young oak tree. symbolising an early interest in agriculture by the Society. By her feet is a harpoon for catching whales, an invention and industry encouraged by the Society at that time. Three statues were commissioned by Sebastian de Ferranti, a former Vice President of the RSA, to be installed on the pediment of the house as originally proposed by Robert Adam, the architect. The figures were made by Plowden and Smith.

Second painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

Second painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

Image acquired but not used to illustrate lecture text for 'An Arts Council for the future' by Gerry Robinson, held at the RSA, 14/10/1998

Image acquired but not used to illustrate lecture text for 'An Arts Council for the future' by Gerry Robinson, held at the RSA, 14/10/1998

Barry