Galileo: second time lucky

I decided to go back this morning and have another shot at Galileo, after yesterday's less than successful attempt! This time I was wise enough to realise that a wide angle shot with a huge stained glass window in the background was not going to work so I brought my portrait lens instead.

The statue is made of white marble and was sculpted by the Italian artiist Pio Fedi (b. 1816). It was brought back from Rome and donated to the University by Sir William Whitla, a well known name around Queen's. It now sits in the main entrance to the University and is, in my opinion, one of the coolest bits of art around these parts.

The story goes that if a student touches his outstretched right foot he'll have luck throughout his time at the University. I seriously doubt he can give you any help with your exams but students will try anything so his right toes have been almost totally smoothed away over the years :)