Lady Rebecca Atkins (d. 1711)
Model
ca. 1689 (made)
ca. 1689 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This is a sketch model for the recumbent (lying down) effigy of Lady Rebecca Atkins (died 1711) for the Atkins family tomb in the north transept of St Paul's, Clapham, London. It also included her husband, the baronet Sir Richard Atkins (died 1689), and their three children. Only rarely do 17th-century models for sculpture survive. The pose of this figure recalls medieval effigies; other English funerary monuments at this date often show the commemorated person reclining, rather than recumbent. This model may have been made as a presentation piece for the patron, who was almost certainly Lady Rebecca Atkins herself. Although the tomb was erected in the late 17th century, soon after her husband's decease, she did not die until 1711.
Materials & Making
Terracotta (fired clay) was often used for sculptors' models, although it could also be employed for finished works. This was probably a preliminary model, and may even have formed part of the sculptor's contract.
People
William Stanton (1639-1705) belonged to a family of sculptors. He was the father of Edward Stanton (1681-1734) and Thomas Stanton (dates unknown), both of whom were apprenticed to him. They were admitted to the Masons' Company in 1702. William was also the nephew of another Thomas Stanton (1610-1674). All of these sculptor-masons specialised in erecting church monuments.
This is a sketch model for the recumbent (lying down) effigy of Lady Rebecca Atkins (died 1711) for the Atkins family tomb in the north transept of St Paul's, Clapham, London. It also included her husband, the baronet Sir Richard Atkins (died 1689), and their three children. Only rarely do 17th-century models for sculpture survive. The pose of this figure recalls medieval effigies; other English funerary monuments at this date often show the commemorated person reclining, rather than recumbent. This model may have been made as a presentation piece for the patron, who was almost certainly Lady Rebecca Atkins herself. Although the tomb was erected in the late 17th century, soon after her husband's decease, she did not die until 1711.
Materials & Making
Terracotta (fired clay) was often used for sculptors' models, although it could also be employed for finished works. This was probably a preliminary model, and may even have formed part of the sculptor's contract.
People
William Stanton (1639-1705) belonged to a family of sculptors. He was the father of Edward Stanton (1681-1734) and Thomas Stanton (dates unknown), both of whom were apprenticed to him. They were admitted to the Masons' Company in 1702. William was also the nephew of another Thomas Stanton (1610-1674). All of these sculptor-masons specialised in erecting church monuments.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Lady Rebecca Atkins (d. 1711) (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Terracotta |
| Brief description | Model, terracotta, for a funeral monument, figure of Lady Rebecca Atkins (d.1711), modelled in England, by William Stanton, ca. 1689 |
| Physical description | Figure of woman in recumbent pose, head resting on cushion. She is wearing contemporary costume, with widow's weeds on her head. In her left hand she holds a book, which rest upon her thigh, and her right is brought across her body, holding the end of her widow's veil. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
| Object history | Purchased by Dr. W.L. Hildburgh F.S.A. from the Pelham Galleries, 155 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London around 1929 for £9. Given to the Museum as a New Year gift by Hildburgh in 1929. |
| Summary | Object Type This is a sketch model for the recumbent (lying down) effigy of Lady Rebecca Atkins (died 1711) for the Atkins family tomb in the north transept of St Paul's, Clapham, London. It also included her husband, the baronet Sir Richard Atkins (died 1689), and their three children. Only rarely do 17th-century models for sculpture survive. The pose of this figure recalls medieval effigies; other English funerary monuments at this date often show the commemorated person reclining, rather than recumbent. This model may have been made as a presentation piece for the patron, who was almost certainly Lady Rebecca Atkins herself. Although the tomb was erected in the late 17th century, soon after her husband's decease, she did not die until 1711. Materials & Making Terracotta (fired clay) was often used for sculptors' models, although it could also be employed for finished works. This was probably a preliminary model, and may even have formed part of the sculptor's contract. People William Stanton (1639-1705) belonged to a family of sculptors. He was the father of Edward Stanton (1681-1734) and Thomas Stanton (dates unknown), both of whom were apprenticed to him. They were admitted to the Masons' Company in 1702. William was also the nephew of another Thomas Stanton (1610-1674). All of these sculptor-masons specialised in erecting church monuments. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.1-1929 |
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| Record created | October 31, 2002 |
| Record URL |
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