A new four-volume catalogue, authored by former royal surveyor Jonathan Marsden, documents approximately 1,800 sculptures in the Royal Collection. The publication reveals the unsystematic nature of the collection's growth, driven by royal tastes and historical opportunities, and highlights significant discoveries like a previously unknown bronze satyr by Benvenuto Cellini.
The catalogue underscores Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's pivotal role, as they acquired over half of the sculptures with known provenance, fundamentally shaping the holdings. It also details the collection's evolution through various monarchs, from George IV's acquisitions during the Napoleonic Wars to Edward VII's eclectic purchases. This scholarly work provides a crucial resource for public engagement as royal residences become more accessible, deepening appreciation for a collection that reflects centuries of royal patronage.