Sculpture

John Hampden

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Type: Sculpture(Opens in new tab)
Date: ca. 1755
Accession number: 80.18
Maker: Michael Rysbrack(Opens in new tab) (Flemish, 1684–1770)
Dimensions: height: 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm.)
Medium: marble
Description: This bust depicts the English politician and Parliamentary leader John Hampden.
Credit: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Department: European Art
Find out more: View in the Art Museum catalog(Opens in new tab)

Label text

Hampden (ca. 1594–1643) was a celebrated politician who challenged the authority of King Charles I in the run-up towards the English Civil War. For this bust, Rysbrack copied one by fellow sculptor Peter Scheemakers of ca. 1730 so as to create a pair with the bust of Oliver Cromwell—another British luminary of the past—located nearby in the gallery. The armor symbolizes the political importance of the sitters and links the two busts stylistically.

John Hampden

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