Does the name Georges Clere ring any bells for you? Perhaps not. But you are looking directly at one of his creations: La Fortune Statue.
La Fortune Statue is an allegorical stone statue. It stands proudly on the Pavillon des Etats. This translates to the Pavilion of the States in English. Look to the far-left corner by the roof line on the former Palais du Louvre. From here in the Cour du Carrousel you have the best view.
Georges Clere was born in 1819 in Nancy. Nancy is in the Lorraine region of France. Clere first studied medicine. However his passion was sculpture. He entered the Ecole des Beaux Arts. There, he studied under the famous French sculptor Francois Rude.
Clere received several commissions for statues on tourist attractions. These included The Louvre. In fact, Georges Clere produced eight different statues for the Musee du Louvre. These included sculptures and architectural details. Many of his works are now in other museums in France. You can find them especially in the Fine Arts Museum in Nancy.
The statue’s name, La Fortune, can also be translated as Wealth. This adds another layer to its meaning. It represents not just luck. It also represents prosperity and abundance.
Clere was a prolific artist. He left a lasting mark on Paris and the art world. His dedication to his craft is evident in every detail of La Fortune. It shows his skill and artistic vision.
When you look at La Fortune Statue, consider the journey of Georges Clere. He transitioned from medicine to sculpture. He pursued his artistic passion. His legacy lives on through his works at the Louvre and beyond.
Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and history embodied in La Fortune. It is a testament to Clere’s talent. It also represents the enduring allure of wealth and fortune. This statue adds to the grandeur of the Louvre.