Figure of Britannia

Britannia was the Roman personification of Great Britain, revived in the seventeenth century as a symbol for the nation. Here she sits upon a rock; her right hand holds a shield painted with the Union flag, while her arm rests on a lion, the symbol of Britain. Her left hand holds a medallion possibly depicting George II, who was king of England when the figure was made. The portrait might instead represent Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, the eldest son of George II and father of George III. In this interpretation, Britannia is mourning the death of the prince. Father and son resembled each other closely, however, so the identity on the medallion is impossible to determine.

Trophies of war such as a helmet, the butt of a gun, a rose-colored standard, and a coat of mail lie under the shield, while Britannia’s left foot rests on a globe. Together the symbols represent England as a world power. The Rococo scroll work of the pedestal contains a painted Chinese scene. Among the few Britannia figures known, this decoration appears to be unique. Usually a scene from the Seven Years’ War (1756–63) is depicted; after that war, England emerged as the world's dominant colonial power.