Perfect image or no resemblance at all? On the second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, a district in Northern Ireland is erecting a life-size statue of the monarch. But not everyone is enthusiastic.
A new bronze statue of the late British Queen Elizabeth II is causing controversy in Northern Ireland. The life-size sculpture was unveiled on the grounds of Antrim Castle at the weekend, shortly before the second anniversary of the long-time monarch’s death. But critics say it is a failure.
The image of the Queen wears a headscarf and a quilted vest. A handbag hangs from her left forearm. She also wears a knee-length skirt and boots. Her gaze is directed slightly upwards.
The Queen is depicted in a dignified pose “reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong devotion to public service,” said a statement from the district administration. This is one of the first statues of the Queen in the entire country. District Mayor Neil Kelly described the work by artist Anthony Brennan as a “beautiful statue,” according to the statement.
“Doesn’t resemble Queen in any way”
But the statue was met with harsh criticism from social media users and visitors to the palace gardens. Facebook users reacted to a post by the district administration with derision. “Sorry, but that is definitely not our late Queen,” said one of the friendlier comments.
“We have to be honest, she is nothing like the Queen,” Vera McWilliam, who sits on Antrim and Newtownabbey District Council for the Ulster Unionist Party, told the BBC.
“You did it perfectly”
According to the BBC, Richard, a visitor to the palace gardens, was very disappointed. “Whoever drew this should have an eye test,” he said. The statue was “not good.” But some people liked the monument. “It’s great, I think they’ve done it perfectly,” the BBC quoted a man named Francis as saying.
The sculpture was placed next to an older bronze statue of the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, who is depicted in a suit and with a slightly forward-leaning posture. The two figures were complemented by two corgis – the dogs that always surrounded Elizabeth. “At least the dogs look good,” wrote one cynical Facebook user.
Source: Stern
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