Royal Collection sculpture catalogues reveal Queen Victoria's dominant acquisitions and hidden treasures

The four-volume catalogue by Jonathan Marsden features around 1,800 sculptures housed in the Royal Collection, more than half of which were acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Spanning locations like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, and Osborne House, the collection showcases the artistic tastes of the monarchy. Among its treasures is a bronze satyr by Benvenuto Cellini, found in 2002. The catalogue also documents losses, including the 1906 destruction of six terracotta heads by John Michael Rysbrack. Noteworthy pieces include Antonio Canova's Mars and Venus and Louis-François Roubiliac's bust of Field Marshal John Ligonier. Set for release on September 23, 2025, by Modern Art Press/Royal Collection Trust, the 1,648-page work seeks to foster greater public engagement as royal residences become more accessible.