How you can use this image

This image is available to be shared and re-used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial licence (CC BY-NC).

This image can be reproduced in any way apart from any commercial uses.

Wherever you reproduce the image or an altered version of it, you must attribute the original creators (acknowledge the original artist(s), the person/organisation that took the photograph of the work) and any other stated rights holders.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find more images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Download

More information

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

Doctor Samuel Johnson was one of the most important writers of the eighteenth century. In 1755 he published the book he is most famous for, 'The Dictionary of the English Language'. The seated statue of Johnson is raised on a moulded pedestal with three relief panels. Johnson is depicted wearing academic robes, his chin resting on his hand, and appears deep in thought. He sits upon a Greek Revival chair with books stacked underneath it. The reliefs illustrate scenes from Johnson's life.

Title

Dr Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

Date

1838

Medium

ashlar

Measurements

H 200 x W (?) x D (?) cm;
Plinth: H 240 x W 137 x D 137 cm

Accession number

WS13_DKJ_S006

Acquisition method

gift from Dr John Thomas Law, Chancellor of the Diocese of Lichfield

Work type

Statue

Owner

Lichfield City Council

Custodian

Lichfield City Council

Work status

extant

Listing status

Grade II* (England and Wales)

Unveiling date

14th August 1838

Listing date

05/02/52

Access

at all times

Inscription description

below left foot of figure: JOHNSON; rear of pedestal: THIS STATUE / WAS PRESENTED TO THE / CITIZENS OF LICHFIELD / BY JAMES THOS LAW / CHANCELLOR OF THE DIOCESE / AUGUST 1838; below: TO COMMEMORATE THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY / OF THE DEATH OF DR SAMUEL JOHNSON / "Every man has a lurking wish to appear / considerable in his native place." / The Johnson Society 13.December 1984; below relief of minister preaching: LISTENING TO DR SACHEVEREL PREACHING; below relief of three schoolboys: THUS HE WAS BORNE FROM / SCHOOL; below relief of Johnson in the market: HIS PENANCE IN UTTOXETER MARKET

Read less