Statues - Hither & Thither

Description

Five figurative reliefs carved into the brickwork on the exterior of the balcony parapet at the front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. They reliefs are based on the emotions of Shakespeare's plays and from left to right depict:

1. Treachery. a man who is hiding his face from the God figure above appearing from a cloud; the man has a dagger hanging from his belt and is about to stab a young man sleeping in a cornfield depicted below.
2. Jollity. Two figures, a man who is dancing and another who seems to be playing a concertina.
3. Life Triumphing over Death. A kneeling young woman, her hands to either side in a devotional gesture and under her is a skull.
4. Martial Ardour. Two fighting figures wearing armour, one of whom is lying crumpled on the ground, the other is standing over him with his hands above his head, possibly clenching a sword.
5. Love. A standing couple, the woman faces forward, the male is to one side of her with his arm around her shoulder, holding her hand.

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2

3

4

5

Signature

Sculptor

• Eric Kennington (Chelsea, London 1888 - 1960), British sculptor (Wikipedia).

Sources & Information

• Wikipedia, Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
• Museum of London, Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
• Public Monuments and Sculpture Association, National Recording Project Database.

Tags

Location (N 52°11'26" - W 1°42'13")