Mona or The Moon

John Michael Rysbrack (1694 - 1770)

Buckinghamshire County Museum

1726 - 1730

This sculpture is one of a series of statues commemorating the Saxon gods and goddesses who gave their names to the days of the week. The deities erected by Lord Cobham in the gardens had an overt political message and were intended to evoke the ancient native liberties associated with the Druids, and by implication to condemn the tyranny of absolutist rulers on the Continent.

• Medium: Portland stone
• Dimensions: 180 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £11250 ( Total: £45,000; Export stopped)
• ArtFunded in: 1992
• Vendor: Maria Davila

Provenance

Commissioned by Sir Richard Temple, Viscount Cobbham, for his grounds at Stowe.

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