Rolls Royce
Spirit of Ecstasy
20″ Mounted Artists Prototype, for Display

This is the magnificent original, larger, limited edition, 51cm-20”, “Spirit of Ecstasy,” executed in massive chrome-plated bronze. It is meticulously crafted and rests on an elegant marble base. It pays homage to one of the most iconic mascots in automotive history which, since its introduction in 1911, has graced the prestigious Rolls-Royce vehicles, embodying the essence of elegance, speed, and timeless exclusivity. The graceful female figure, with her torso leaning forward and her garments flowing in the wind, conveys a sense of dynamism, freedom, and lightness. The sculpture’s masterful lines capture the excitement of movement, while its gleaming surface exudes an aura of beauty, of luxury and impeccable craftsmanship. This limited edition of only 20 pieces is not a replica, but the artist’s prototype for one of the most iconic designs in the automotive world.

Charles Robert Sykes, the sculptor behind the legend, the creator of the “Spirit of Ecstasy”, was born on December 15, 1875, in Brotton, England. A talented sculptor and illustrator, trained at the Royal College of Art in London, he became one of the most important artists of his time. From early in his career, Sykes specialized in sculptures with aerodynamic elements that exuded a special lightness and elegance. His exceptional sense of movement and form made him a sought-after artist in the British art world. In 1910, he was commissioned by Lord John Montagu, one of Britain’s leading automotive pioneers, to design a radiator mascot for Rolls-Royce that would embody the brand’s values. The first version of the “Spirit of Ecstasy” was created by Sykes in London in 1911. Inspired by his muse Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Montagu’s secret lover, he created a figure that exemplifies femininity, grace, and, above all, movement. The pose, with its forward-leaning torso and outstretched, wing-like garments, symbolizes the harmony between luxury and speed, between power and elegance.

Since its founding in 1904 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, Rolls-Royce has stood for unparalleled quality and the brand quickly became a symbol of British luxury and exclusivity.  Its vehicles have been prized by royalty, heads of state, and others of privilege, worldwide. Rolls-Royce is renowned for its uncompromising approach to design and performance. Each model is a masterpiece of bespoke materials, painstaking quality control and hand-craftsmanship and, as any one of us who has owned such a vehicle  will frankly testify, prioritizes quiet and comfort over rational engineering or ease of maintenance.

With uncharacteristic ingenuity, Rolls-Royce engineers responded to the introduction of stricter pedestrian safety laws in the 1980s, by developing the innovative system that allowed the Spirit of Ecstasy to automatically retract into the hood if detecting an external force. This technical solution allowed Rolls-Royce to retain the iconic figure as an integral part of the vehicle’s design while avoiding injury to pedestrians. Thus, the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament remains a trademark, representing the unmistakable character of Rolls-Royce vehicles – a blend of effortless power, unparalleled elegance, and absolute refinement.