Typical Prosperous and Honest Merchant

William G. Stirling

First placed in Singapore: 1937

formerly in front of the National Museum of Singapore

Was placed in front of the Raffles Museum and stood there for almost 50 years. It was then shifted to the side lawn in December 1984 to make way for the time capsule, that was placed there as a part of the National Exhibition to celebrate Singapore's 25 years of nationhood. It was removed during the 2004-2006 renovation of the National Museum, and we're not sure of its current location.

Patron: gift of the artist

How odd - this is an anonymous bust, “the artist's conception of a typical prosperous and honest Chinese merchant during the colonial days.” (this according to the SHM website circa 2006). Surely someone was the model for this bust? But who? and why the anonymity?

Last updated: Dec-5-2020

Typical Prosperous and Honest Merchant
additional photograph of the sculpture on this page
additional photograph of the sculpture on this page

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