| Description Of Item | The two plaster busts of Harvey, found in the Great Hall and the Sibbald Library, both appear to depict Harvey in his academic robes, worn over a coat or waistcoat. The pieces are identical as both are copies or casts taken of Peter Scheemakers original bust which was commissioned by his patron Richard Mead, who gifted the original to the Royal College of Physicians in 1739. Scheemaker was particularly famous for his memorial to Shakespeare in poets' corner in Westminster Abbey. The casts of his bust of Harvey demonstrate his attention to detail. Moreover, at least in this piece, Scheemaker appears to have preferred to depict his subject in a realistic, rather than an idealised manner.
Alongside these busts the College also possesses a terracotta statuette of Harvey. There is also a portrait of Harvey in the College's collection, whilst Harvey also appears in the roundel portraits in the Great Hall.
Artist: Unknown |