Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

Head-and-shoulders classical-style bust of Isaac Newton on a small square base set on a round socle, by an anonymous English maker after the terracotta by Roubiliac (ZBA1604).

The front of the square base is inscribed 'NEWTON'. The only note about this item, on the file for the terracotta original, states that the latter is 'Model for marble bust (ZBA0704) presented by Mr Freeman to Royal Society April 1738. This bust is thought to have been presented to Royal Society for exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.' This is confusing since the full-size terracotta original made in 1731 and itself presented to the Royal Observatory after they were bequeathed it. It implies there was a full size marble made from it (as yet unconfirmed) of which this is a later reduction.

Object Details

ID: ZBA0704
Collection: Sculpture
Type: Bust
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Roubiliac, Louis-Francois
Date made: circa 1852
People: Newton, Isaac
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 475 x 310 x 175 mm