The recent unveiling of a statue of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked more controversy than praise in the digital sphere, generating a wave of criticism that seems to overshadow the original intent of the work.
This sculpture, created by artist Anto Brennan, was commissioned by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in Northern Ireland.
Located in Antrim Castle Gardens, a place Queen Elizabeth last visited in 2016 in the company of Prince Philip, the statue seeks to commemorate the life and legacy of the monarch, who passed away on September 8, 2022.
According to a statement from the borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey, the sculpture is intended to reflect the queen’s “grace, steadfastness, and lifelong dedication to public service.”
However, following its unveiling, the image of the new statue alongside Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and his dogs has provoked an avalanche of comments on social media.
New statue of Queen Elizabeth II
Many users have expressed their discontent, pointing out that the figure bears no relation to the late queen’s appearance.
“Oh my God, what a shame. A lovely bronze statue of a complete stranger,” wrote one X user. “It looks nothing like HRH Queen Elizabeth.”
This phenomenon highlights not only the complexity of artistic creation but also the public expectation surrounding representations of iconic figures.
The sculpture, which was meant to be a tribute, has become a topic of debate, reflecting differing perceptions about artistic representation and recognition of prominent figures in recent history.
The wide range of reactions highlights the relevance of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as the sensitivity surrounding her legacy.
This new statue of the late, great Queen is diabolical. 🙈 pic.twitter.com/AiSQSZjMSZ
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 11, 2024
In Northern Ireland, a new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth has been criticised for not looking anything like her pic.twitter.com/aNo4XY11eq
— Have I Got News For You (@haveigotnews) September 11, 2024
A lovely statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip unveiled in Antrim Castle Gardens last Saturday. 🤣🤥🥴 pic.twitter.com/NUf5U4vdkF
— Jamie Cleverly ⭐️⭐ (@jamiecleverly) September 11, 2024
Who is that woman?
A statue of Prince Philip was already on display with Queen Elizabeth and her two corgis recently added to the scene – STEPHEN DAVISON/PACEMAKER PRESS pic.twitter.com/BECDchMKtl
— James Tymberlake 🇪🇺 ♚ (@boisdulac_) September 11, 2024
Am loving the fusion statue at Antrim Castle of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II & the Duke Of Edinburgh and The League Of Gentlemen… pic.twitter.com/ypMfoomlIx
— Jon Round (@baggiebloke) September 11, 2024
@BBCBreakfast omg what a shame. A lovely bronze statue of a complete stranger. It looks nothing like HRH Queen Elizabeth
— Kim 🇬🇧 (@misty071264) September 11, 2024
New statue in Antrim Castle Gardens of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip is dreadful. It should be removed and replaced.
— Alan Sked (@profsked) September 11, 2024
That is not a statue of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip …it’s a terrible joke in bronze
— Betsy Tarr (@Betsypaige24) September 11, 2024