Who painted National Photographic Record and Survey?

National Photographic Record and Survey was painted by Benjamin Stone in 1899.

Where can I see National Photographic Record and Survey?

National Photographic Record and Survey is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is National Photographic Record and Survey?

National Photographic Record and Survey is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

National Photographic Record and Survey

Benjamin Stone , 1899

National Photographic Record and Survey is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Benjamin Stone. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The image is a black‑and‑white photograph, printed on card, that records a marble sculpture situated within Windsor Castle.

About this work

The statue is detailed, with folds in the fabric and a serious expression on her face.

This is a black-and-white photo of a marble statue. A woman sits on a throne-like chair, dressed in heavy robes and a crown. Her right hand rests on a small object, and a lion crouches at her feet. The statue is detailed, with folds in the fabric and a serious expression on her face.

The photo was taken in 1899 at Windsor Castle, as noted in the top corner. The statue’s base has Latin words carved into it.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more statues like this.

Overview

The image is a black‑and‑white photograph, printed on card, that records a marble sculpture situated within Windsor Castle. Captured in 1899, the picture presents a seated female figure on a throne‑like seat, surrounded by detailed drapery, a crown, and a crouching lion at her feet. The composition is framed to emphasize the statue’s intricate carving and the inscription on its base.

Subject & Meaning

The sculpted figure portrays a woman of authority, likely a monarch or deity, indicated by her regal attire, crown, and the presence of a lion, a traditional symbol of power. Her right hand rests on a small object, perhaps a scepter or orb, reinforcing the theme of sovereignty. The solemn expression and formal pose convey dignity and control.

Technique & Style

Carved from marble, the statue exhibits a high level of realism through finely rendered folds in the heavy robes and precise anatomical details. The photograph captures the contrast of light and shadow, highlighting the texture of the stone and the depth of the carving. The black‑and‑white medium accentuates these tonal variations, allowing the viewer to focus on form rather than color.

History & Provenance

The photograph was taken on site at Windsor Castle in 1899, as indicated by a marginal note in the image’s upper corner. The statue’s base bears a Latin inscription, suggesting a commemorative or dedicatory purpose. The image now forms part of the National Photographic Record and Survey collection, documenting the castle’s artistic holdings at the turn of the twentieth century.