Princess Diana Statue Unveiled By Her Sons Gets Mixed Reactions From Art Critics
Image via Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge
On what would have been Princess Diana’s 60th birthday, Prince William and Prince Harry came together to unveil a new statue dedicated to their mother.
However, like many other statue unveilings in the past, there have been mixed reactions from professionals and the public.
The bronze statue was created by Ian Rank-Broadley, and is situated in the Sunken Garden of Princess Diana’s former home at Kensington Palace. Surrounding the sculpture are the princess’s favorite blooms, including 500 lavender plants, 300 tulips, 200 roses, and 100 forget-me-nots.
Alongside Prince William and Prince Harry at the event were Princess Diana’s siblings, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes, and Earl Spencer.
“Today, on what would have been our mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength, and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better,” Prince William and Prince Harry said in a joint statement.
“Every day, we wish she were still here with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and legacy.”
Despite the Kensington Palace saying the sculpture was meant to convey Princess Diana’s character, compassion, warmth, elegance, and energy, not everyone has taken a liking to the statue.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, chief art critic of the Telegraph Alastair Sooke wrote that Princess Diana looked “combative and confrontational, not maternal,” calling the statue a “people pleasing dud.”
“The statue has a devotional aura. Perhaps this is precisely what a wider public who all but worshipped the Princess would want – which may in turn be precisely why this statue is, aesthetically speaking, so horrible,” said Rachel Campbell-Johnston for The Times, giving the sculpture a measly two out of five stars.
The Cut offered a more positive spin on the statue’s unveiling, calling attention to the added detail of a belt on Princess Diana’s frame, something rarely seen in sculptures.
Members of the public took to social media to air their views, with some of their takes as searing as the professionals, and some a little more positive.
Many were touched by the sentiment of Prince William and Prince Harry honoring their late mother, though most agreed the statue itself was unflattering.
Take a look at more reactions from the unveiling below.
Lovely that Diana's statue has been positioned facing towards home... pic.twitter.com/kvxApFBiXE
— Victoria Arbiter (@victoriaarbiter) July 1, 2021
Not sure how anyone is tuned-out enough to be making new statues these days, but regardless that new Diana statue in the news seems a particularly poor one.
— Ross of Ottawa (@ottaross) July 2, 2021
I was deeply disappointed upon seeing the statue of Princess Diana today. Her hair was flat and her clothing chunky which was not how she appeared. The medium used was dark and did not capture her charm.
— SuzanneSezs (@Suzanne54837213) July 2, 2021
WATCH: Princes William and Harry unveiled a statue of their mom, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace on what would've been her 60th birthday. In a statement Thursday (7/1), the brothers said she is remembered for the qualities that "made her a force for good around the world." pic.twitter.com/qcWDRsjuWH
— KTVN 2 News (@KTVN) July 2, 2021
Okay, I know this statue isn’t to everyone’s taste but it isn’t about you. This is about her loved ones and they get to decide how she is remembered, time and thought went into it. Let’s respect their decision 👍🏼 #DianaStatue 🌹 pic.twitter.com/s8z3WzP4x6
— 🦁 𝚂𝚞𝚔𝚒 🦁 🏴🦁 (@Sukiweeks) July 1, 2021
the most beautiful statue for the most beautiful angel, happy birthday princess diana❤️ x pic.twitter.com/HKiGgVnSOq
— sammy (@drastoriaa) July 1, 2021
[via Sydney Morning Herald, cover image via Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge]
