Hidden within the Jardin des Tuileries, Agrippine awaits. Not the infamous Roman empress, but a marble embodiment of her, frozen in time. Agrippine, sculpted by the French artist Doisy, stands as a silent observer amidst the bustling Parisian gardens. This statue of Agrippine has a curious history. It was crafted in Rome between 1685 and 1690, inspired by an ancient statue from the Medici collection. Imagine Doisy meticulously carving the marble, bringing Agrippine to life centuries after her tumultuous reign. The statue journeyed from Rome to Marly in 1715, possibly gracing a royal garden before being moved to the Louvre’s storage. In 1722, Agrippine found a new home in the Tuileries Gardens, placed near the Octagonal Basin. She remained there until 1872, when she was moved to the Allée de Diane, only to return to her original location in 1994. Agrippine has been known by other names, like Plotine and Matidie, perhaps reflecting the shifting interpretations of the statue’s identity throughout history. The Louvre’s records list her as “Agrippine,” solidifying her connection to the powerful Roman figure. This Agrippine stands tall, a towering figure of 2.4 meters, crafted from a single block of marble. While she represents the Roman empress, she also represents the artistic exchange between France and Italy, a tangible link between ancient Rome and modern Paris. Her presence adds a layer of historical intrigue to the beautiful Tuileries Gardens.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to