William Pitt the Younger (1759–1806)

Joseph Nollekens

1807 · Marble · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This bust of the brilliant Parliamentarian who served as prime minister through most of the reign of George III was originally modeled after a death mask. The face of the proud orator is marked by the fatigue and distress of his final years, when England was menaced by a relentless tide of Napoleonic victories. The success of this vivid portrayal led Nollekens to replicate it numerous times.

Artist

Joseph Nollekens

Date

1807

Medium

Marble

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Francis Henry Lenygon, 1974