George Brydges Rodney (1718–1792), 1st Baron, English admiral 18th century

Pierre Stephan sculpted this terracotta figure of George Brydges Rodney around 1780. Here we see Admiral Rodney confidently posed next to a cannon, a potent symbol of naval power and military might. The cannon, as a symbol, reverberates through history. We find its echoes in ancient siege weaponry, and its modern descendants in the armaments of our own time. The cannon represents not just technological advancement, but also the enduring human impulse toward conflict and dominion. This connection of man and machine evokes a complex psychological space, where fear and awe intertwine. Consider the classical motif of the hero standing triumphant over conquered foes, a theme that resurfaces in depictions of military leaders throughout the ages. Here, Rodney’s stance carries a similar psychological weight, projecting an aura of invincibility and control. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, triggering deep-seated emotions linked to power, security, and the primal drive for survival. This is not just a portrait of a man, but a symbol of the very forces that shape our world.