A memorial statue erected to honour iconic English feminist Mary Wollstonecraft has met with mixed reactions online.
The statue featuring a naked woman emerging from a silver sea of women was created by artist Maggi Hambling. It was unveiled via a livestream, and is on display on Newington Green, Islington in London.
Writer Tracy King tweeted the statue was trying to be 'edgy' to provoke debate but obscured the activist's achievements.
She questioned the decision to honour the 18th century feminist who wrote the famous 1792 treatise "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" proposing women have equal rights to men, with a generic everywoman figure.
"Statues of named men get to be clothed because the focus is on their work and achievements," King tweeted.
Others online agreed with King, arguing Wollstonecraft deserved a similar historical tribute made to honour men.
The artist, Maggi Hambling, defended the work, reportedly saying the statue was dedicated to the feminist figure but not of her.
"Clothes define people and restrict people, they restrict people's reaction. She's naked and she's every woman," the BBC reported.
"Most male historic statues are way over life-size. My point was that the female figure doesn't need to dominate to be powerful.
"It's been compared to a rocket of hope going up to the sky, tracking the fight for female empowerment Wollstonecraft started."
Some online agreed, saying they loved the artwork.
