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Explorer John Rae is shown dressed in Inuit clothing and covered with a fur while he sleeps. He has a book and rifle by his side and a round cap behind his head. The figure rests on carved drapery. The sculpture is mounted on a rough-hewn pink granite base with polished areas on each long side and inscriptions in gold lettering. The pink granite rests on a grey granite step.

St Magnus Cathedral

Kirkwall

Title

Monument to Dr John Rae (1813–1893)

Date

1895

Medium

marble & granite

Measurements

H 70 x W 193 x D 80 cm;
Plinth: H 78 x W 214.3 x D 91.3 cm

Accession number

ART_009

Acquisition method

gift

Work type

Tomb or mausoleum

Signature/marks description

below feet: JOSEPH WHITEHEAD. / SCULPTOR, / LONDON.

Inscription description

front of granite base: JOHN RAE, M.D., L.L.D., F.R.S., F.R.G.S., / ARCTIC EXPLORER. / INTREPID DISCOVERER OF THE FATE OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN'S LAST EXPEDITION. / BORN - 1813 - DIED - 1893. / EXPEDITIONS - 1846-7; 1848-9; 1851-2; 1853-4. on back of sculpture: ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION / 1895.

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