Joseph Nollekens (1737–1823) was the leading English sculptor of the late eighteenth century. The work Wordsworth praises marks the tomb of Lady Maria Howard of Corby Castle, who died giving birth to a stillborn daughter in 1789. Commissioned by her husband, it was completed and installed in 1806. The monument inspired two Wordsworth sonnets in 1833: “Monument of Mrs. Howard” and “Suggested by the Forgoing.” Photo: Ashley Columbus, Wikimedia Commons.