Punch,  39 (1860), 120.

Gogs and Magogs

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Heroism, Exploration, Representation


    Relishes the government's decision to refuse to provide metal for a proposed statue to the memory of John Franklin, who has already 'made for himself' a 'monument more durable than brass'. Uses this as a basis for a detailed attack on modern statues, which the writer considers a 'disgrace and an insult' to the heroes and statesmen that they celebrate. Draws attention to the inability of contemporary sculptors to represent modern garments and criticises the fact that post-classical figures never look 'statuesque'. Points out that although Franklin was a 'gallant commander', he was also 'a stout middle-aged man' whose statue would be 'a grievous eyesore'.



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