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Statuette of Michelangelo
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Statuette of Michelangelo. SM M1484. ©Sir John Soane's Museum, London. Photo: Lewis Bush
John Flaxman RA (1755 - 1826), sculptor
Statuette of Michelangelo
Plaster
Museum number: M1484
On display: Dome Area
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
Flaxman made statuettes of Michelangelo and Raphael (see M1485) for Sir Thomas Lawrence and exhibited a pair of plaster models for them, perhaps this pair, at the Royal Academy in 1826. The figures were placed in the Dome area in this position to associate Flaxman with his contemporary Sir Francis Chantrey, who sculpted the bust of Soane just above (M931). A subtle reference to Lawrence is included in the arrangement, with a bust of him (M695) placed high up behind the bust of Soane. The arrangement brings together Michelangelo, Raphael, Flaxman, Chantrey, Soane and Lawrence to symbolise the ‘union of the arts’ which Soane wanted his Museum to represent.
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk