"Laughably bad": New sculpture of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip divides opinion
A newly unveiled bronze sculpture of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has received somewhat mixed reviews from the public, with many criticising the piece for looking "nothing like" them.
The artwork was unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday, and was commissioned by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, which said the piece “captures Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”.
It also depicts two of her famous corgis at her feet and her husband, Philip standing behind her with his hands behind his back.
While the local council told CNN that the bronze statue of the Queen "has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person," many have ridiculed the statue for looking nothing like them.
One user wrote on X that it was "laughably bad", adding: "It doesn't even look an iota like her, does it? Am I blind, or is that just nothing like the Queen? Surely they pay a fortune for these commissioned pieces - is there no requirement that there actually be a likeness?"
Another user on X wrote: “It is awful...It looks nothing like the Queen or the Prince.. Terrible..Dreadful..Melt it down and start again”.
One person commented on the council's announcement of the artwork that while it was "beautiful" the statue didn't "look like our late queen or represent how she always dressed".
"Even the corgi is confused," another user wrote.
“Would you know this was the late Queen if I didn't tell you?" another wrote on X.
Following the wave of criticism, the council acknowledged that at "art can sometimes spark diverse opinions" but said that it "was particularly pleased with how the (Elizabeth) sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis."
Images: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council