Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 151, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1910 — A Byron Statue. [ARTICLE]

A Byron Statue.

Many years ago some admirers of Lord Byron raised a subscription for a monument to the poet to be placed In Westminster Abbey. Chantrey was requested to execute it, but on account of the smallness of the sum subscribed he declined, and Thorwaldsen was then applied to and cheerfully undertook the work. In about 1838 the finished statue arrived at the customs house in London, but to the astonishment of the subscribers the dean of Westminster, Dr. Ireland, declined Jto give permission to have it set up In the abbey, and owing to this difficulty, which proved insurmountable, for Dr. Ireland’s successor was of the same opinion, It remained for upward of twelve years in the customs house, when (1846) It was removed to the library of Trinity College, Cambridge. The poet is represented in the statue of the size of life, seated on a ruin, with his left foot resting on the fragment of a column. In his right hand he holds a style up to his mouth. In his left a book, inscribed “Child* Harold.” He Is dressed In a frock coat and cloak. Beside Jiim on the left is a skull, above which Is the Athenian owl. The, likeness is, of course, posthumous. Thorwaldsen waa born November 19. 1770, and died, on March 24, 1844.