Alexander Pope (1688–1744) 1785 - 1799

Joseph Nollekens created this marble bust of Alexander Pope, the celebrated 18th-century poet, well after Pope’s death. During Pope’s time, English society was deeply stratified, and his identity as a Catholic in a predominantly Anglican nation significantly shaped his life and work. This sculpture subtly conveys Pope's intellectual prowess and physical vulnerability. As a man of letters, Pope navigated the complex social hierarchies of his era. While he achieved fame and influence through his writing, he was also often an outsider due to his religious affiliation and lifelong health issues. Nollekens's bust captures Pope's serious gaze and contemplative expression, inviting us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity and the challenges faced by those who defy easy categorization. Through this sculpture, we are reminded of the power of art to immortalize individuals and to prompt ongoing conversations about the interplay of personal experience and social context.