Monument of Bishop Mays, Hereford Castle AD1516 1800 - 1900

Sir Charles Barry made this pencil and gray wash on paper drawing titled ‘Monument of Bishop Mays, Hereford Castle AD1516,’ capturing the intricate details of the Bishop's monument centuries after its creation. Barry, who lived during a period of significant social and political change in England, found inspiration in the past. His choice to document a monument from the 16th century suggests an interest in reclaiming and reimagining historical legacies. The monument itself speaks volumes about power, status, and religious authority in the early 16th century. Bishops held considerable influence and their monuments served as symbols of their earthly and spiritual power. Barry's delicate rendering invites reflection on the passage of time and the endurance of memory. Consider how it prompts us to think about the stories and identities we choose to preserve.