James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)

© the artist. Image credit: Gordon Baird / Art UK

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Notes

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Seated in a Greek klismos, or sabre-leg chair, the scientist is shown holding a colour wheel as if in the process of demonstrating its operation. He is dressed in the conventional outfit of a mid-Victorian gentleman – frock-coat, waistcoat, bow-tie and laced shoes – overlaid by an academic gown worn so negligently that the right side has begun to fall from his shoulder. The impression of relaxed informality created by this is echoed in the general pose of the figure, most notably in the crossed legs and the casual placement of his left elbow on the back of the chair, as well as in the presence of the terrier lying at his feet.
Title

James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)

Date

2008

Medium

bronze & grey granite

Measurements

H 210 x W (?) x D (?) cm;
Plinth: H 240 x W 198 x D 297 cm

Accession number

EH2_GB_S014

Acquisition method

by donation

Work type

Statue

Custodian

City of Edinburgh Council

Work status

extant

Unveiling date

25th November 2008

Access

at all times

Inscription description

front of pedestal: JAMES / CLERK MAXWELL / 1831-1879; plaque attached to rear of pedestal – JAMES CLERK MAXWELL / FRS FRSE / 1831-1879 / MATHEMATICAL PHYSICIST / UNVEILED ON NOVEMBER 25TH 2008 / BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, / ALEX FERGUSSON, MSP. / THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF: / FELLOWS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH STANDARD LIFE DAVID & ELAINE POTTER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION / EDINBURGH WORLD HERITAGE ROYAL SOCIETY UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH / ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN / JAMES CLERK MAXWELL FOUNDATION INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS KING’S COLLEGE, LONDON / DARWIN TRUST OF EDINBURGH INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE / MICHAEL ATIYAH ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY CAVENDISH LABORATORY, CAMBRIDGE / IRWIN & JOAN JACOBS LONDON MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY / JAMES & JEAN RAUTIO EDINBURGH MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY THE INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS / ALEXANDER STODDART PAISLEY, 2008 BLACK ISLE BRONZE, FOUNDERS, NAIRN

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Located at

George Street, Edinburgh

EH2 2PQ

At the junction of George Street and St Andrew Square.