Richard Westmacott (1775-1856) was the leading British neo-classic sculptor when it came to heroic monuments. Against this background it is typical that he presented the leading Whig politician and statesman, Charles James Fox (1749-1806) in classical dress. The position of the monument was determined by the Duke of Bedford, whose family had long owned Bloomsbury Square. Like Fox, he was associated with the Whig party.
By 1797, after four years in Rome, Sir Richard returned to London. In Rome he had been associated with the same academy of art as Thorvaldsen soon afterwards also became linked with, the Academia di San Luca. The engraving, however, was possibly sent to Thorvaldsen by the Sixth Duke of Bedford, John Russell.
DESIGNED AND EXECUTED IN BRASS / BY RICHARD WESTMACOTT R.A. / The engraving commenced by Sam. Reynolds & completed by Wm Ward / Published July 1st 1817
