Unexecuted Design for the Monument to the First Duke of Marlborough c. 1733

This is John Michael Rysbrack’s unexecuted design for the monument to the First Duke of Marlborough. Rysbrack was a key figure in the development of British sculpture, and this drawing captures his vision for commemorating a celebrated military leader. During the 18th century, monuments were powerful statements about national identity and imperial ambition. They often served to reinforce societal hierarchies and celebrate figures of authority. This design, with its classical allegories and heroic portrayal of the Duke, is typical of its time, but it also hints at a tension: the cost of war and the complexities of leadership. Note the figures flanking the monument, are they merely decorative, or do they offer a commentary on the human cost of conflict? The monument's unexecuted status raises questions about shifting political winds. What narratives get enshrined in public spaces, and whose stories are left untold? Consider how our perception of historical figures evolves over time, and how this monument, or lack thereof, contributes to the ongoing dialogue.