Emily / Spirit of Ecstasy - Rolls Royce - Statue

Eternal Grace – Bronze Figure - Emily/Spirit of Ecstasy - Signed Alfred Stevens

This finely cast bronze presents the legendary Spirit of Ecstasy, a figure forever linked with the elegance of Rolls Royce automobiles. With her head tilted forward and fabric-like wings flowing behind, the sculpture captures the sensation of wind and speed while preserving a timeless serenity. Every delicate contour of the figure’s body seems to glide through the air, echoing the original automotive mascot yet standing alone as a work of art. The polished bronze surface reflects light in soft waves, allowing the Spirit of Ecstasy to appear almost weightless despite the solid medium.

Alfred Stevens – A Victorian Visionary

Born on 30 December 1817 in Blandford Forum in the United Kingdom, Alfred Stevens became one of the nineteenth century’s most admired sculptors and designers. His father, a talented decorative painter, encouraged his early interest in art. Stevens trained at the Royal Academy Schools in London and spent formative years in Florence and Rome, where he absorbed the grandeur of Renaissance sculpture. This cosmopolitan education shaped his refined yet innovative approach, qualities that resonate in this bronze Spirit of Ecstasy just as strongly as in his architectural works and public monuments.

Technical Mastery in Bronze

The sculpture demonstrates exceptional skill in lost-wax casting, with delicate folds of the billowing garment captured in minute detail. The patina deepens the sense of motion, as shifting light plays across the bronze and accentuates the forward thrust of the Spirit of Ecstasy. This meticulous execution honors Stevens’ reputation for precision and artistry, qualities that would later inspire designers seeking a symbol of mechanical perfection, including those behind the Rolls Royce radiator emblem.

The Legend of Emily – The Spirit of Ecstasy

The original Spirit of Ecstasy, affectionately known as “Emily,” was created to grace the hood of every Rolls Royce beginning in 1911. Based on Eleanor Thornton, muse and companion of automotive pioneer Lord Montagu, the figure embodies grace, speed, and the romance of early motoring. This bronze by Alfred Stevens channels the same mythic energy, allowing admirers to connect with the enduring story of Emily and the luxurious heritage of Rolls Royce, even within a purely artistic context.

Legacy and Present Locations

Today, authentic bronzes attributed to Alfred Stevens can be admired in institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Tate Britain, where his blend of classical and modern ideals continues to inspire. Collectors of fine automotive art and devotees of Rolls Royce history seek out works like this Spirit of Ecstasy bronze for their private collections, recognizing it as both an homage to a legendary emblem and a standalone masterpiece. This figure remains a tribute to an artist whose vision anticipated the sleek dynamism that would come to define the motor age.

Height: 26 cm
Width: 9 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Weight: 1,5 kg
100% Bronze