Sir Robert Walpole was Britain's first Prime Minister in all buy name. He enjoyed immense power, royal support and a Whig majority in the House of Commons between 1721 and 1742. Although he was accused of bribery and favouritism, his long period of power encouraged political stability and economic prosperity.

Following Britain's involvement in an unsuccessful war against Spain, Walpole came under attack and he resigned in 1742. The level of popular resentment against him can be judged by comparing Rysbrack's ennobling, classical bust, probably modelled around 1726, with this grotesque engraving of 1743 that satirises the complacency of 'The Late Premier Minister'. The bust is made from terracotta by John Michael Rysbrack, 1738.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.