King Edward I (1239–1307) and Queen Eleanor (1241–1290) 1790

Charles Rossi modeled this terracotta sculpture of King Edward I and Queen Eleanor in the late 18th or early 19th century. Notice the immediacy and the tactile quality of the clay. Rossi has used the age-old process of modeling, manipulating the pliable material by hand to create form. Terracotta, meaning "baked earth", is a humble material, yet it has a rich history in sculpture. The raw clay is dug from the earth, processed to remove impurities, and then shaped. You can almost feel Rossi's fingerprints in the textured surfaces, especially in the drapery and base. The ochre color, derived from the iron content in the clay, gives the sculpture a warm, earthy tone. Terracotta's accessibility has made it a democratic medium throughout history, used for both high art and everyday objects. Rossi, as a Royal Academician, was working within a well-established tradition, but he was also embracing a material that blurred the lines between fine art and craft. Understanding the material and the making process allows us to appreciate the artistic skill and cultural significance embodied in this terracotta sculpture.