Pax on Statue of The Duke of Wellington – Manchester, UK - Epic Beings and Creatures on Waymarking.com

The Roman Goddess Victoria
“In Roman mythology, Pax [paqs] (Latin for peace) (her Greek equivalent was Eirene) was recognized as a goddess during the rule of Augustus. On the Campus Martius, she had a temple called the Ara Pacis, and another temple on the Forum Pacis. She was depicted in art with olivebranches, a cornucopia and a scepter. There was a festival in her honor on January 3. Daughter of Jupiter and Iustitia. Pax was often associated with spring.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pax_(mythology)

“She is often depicted holding an olive branch and a cornucopia. The olive branch is the symbol of both peace and serenity. The dove returned to Noah after the flood bearing an olive branch in its beak symbolizing the end of the tempest and the flood. “Holding out an olive branch” is a way people say “Let’s make peace.”

The cornucopia is the symbol of plenty and good harvest. Pax is sometimes depicted holding one. The symbology is that peace brings prosperity and a time of growth. Pax thus is the Goddess of Peace and Prosperity. She tells us that one brings the other.” http://www.crystalvaults.com/pages/goddess_pax.php

The Statue
The statue was unveiled on 30th August 1856 to commemorate the life of the Duke of Wellington.

The Duke had been a hugely successful military commander who had fought in 60 different battles. He was especially loved in the UK for his defeat of the French and especially Napoleon Bonaparte.

In recognition of his successes in battle he won many awards and tiles both in the UK and in other countries in Europe. His highest titles were Duke of Wellington in the U.K., Duke of Vitoria in Portugal, Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo in Spain and Prince of Waterloo in The Netherlands.

He was also one of those rare people who went on after a successful military career to also have a successful political career. He was Prime Minister of the U.K. twice and then went on to become a Peer in the UK’s upper house, the House of Lords.

The city of Manchester had decided within 4 days of Wellington’s death that they wished to erect a statue and announced a competition.

The chosen design by Matthew Noble shows Wellington as a Politician giving a speech with 4 allegorical figures, representing four aspects of his life.

Mars, the God of War, sword in hand, exemplifying valour.
Minerva, representing wisdom.
Victory, holding a wreath of oak leaves and a palm.
Peace, holding an olive branch, a cornucopia at her feet.

Time Period: Ancient Epic Type: Mythical Exhibit Type: Figure, Statue, 3D Art Approximate Date of Epic Period: Not listed

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Date Logged Log   12/02/2017 Poole/Freeman visited it