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The Australian sculptor Mackennal came to London aged nineteen to study at the Royal Academy Schools, and went from there to work briefly under Rodin in Paris. He made sculpture for war memorials and public buildings in London and Australia. He was knighted in 1921, after designing the tomb of Edward VII. Diana was the moon Goddess, so Mackennal gave her a crescent moon in her hair. She also hunted, hence 'Diana Wounded' ties a bandage to her leg. This action enabled Mackennal to show off a complicated turning pose. Edwardian architects worked well with sculptors such as Mackennal whose confident and Baroque style matched their buildings. Skill in making convincing and varied figures was essential for architectural work.

August 2004