The Allegory Bas-Relief on the London Fire Monument

Visited 17 March 2006

The 2nd edition (1777–84) of Encyclopædia Britannica (hopefully now in public domain) describes the meaning of each of the figures in the alto/bas relief  by Danish sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber:

The first female figure represents London sitting in ruins, in a languishing posture, with her head dejected, her hair disheveled, and her hand carelessly lying on her sword. Behind is Time, gradually raising her up: at her side is a woman touching her with one hand, whilst a winged scepter in the other directs her to regard the goddesses in the clouds; one with a cornucopia, denoting Plenty; the other with a palm branch, the emblem of Peace. At her feet is a bee-hive, showing, that by industry and application the greatest misfortunes are to be overcome. Behind the figure of Time are citizens exulting at his endeavors to restore her; and beneath, in the midst of the ruins, is a dragon, who, as the supporter of the city-arms, with his paw endeavors to preserve the same.

Opposite to the city, on an elevated pavement, stands the king, in a Roman habit, with a laurel on his head, and a truncheon in his hand; and approaching her, commands three of his attendants to descend to her relief. The first represents the Sciences, with a winged head, and circle of naked boys dancing thereon; and holding Nature in her hand, with her numerous breasts, ready to give assistance to all. The second is Architecture, with a plan in one hand, and a square and pair of compasses in the other; and the third is Liberty, waving a hat in the air, showing her joy at the pleasing prospect of the city’s speedy recovery. Behind the king stands his brother the duke of York, with a garland in one hand to crown the rising city, and a sword in the other for her defense.

The two figures behind are Justice and Fortitude; the former with a coronet, and the latter with a reined lion; and under the royal pavement lies Envy, gnawing a heart, and incessantly emitting pestiferous fumes from her mouth. On the plinth the reconstruction of the city is represented by builders and laborers at work upon houses.

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