“L’Agriculture,” a masterpiece sculpted by Antoine François Gérard, stands on the third level balustrade of the Palais Royal facade. She is a winged female figure, a beautiful allegory for agricultural abundance. With her left arm and hand, she supports overflowing baskets of fruit. Her right hand grasps a scythe, its blade ready to harvest the grains that spill out around her. It is in her gaze, a captivating look of determination mingled with serenity, that we see the heart of her story.
The statue was created in 1830, just a few years after the Palais Royal – once the royal residence of the Duke of Orléans – was transformed into a public space. The statues adorning the Palais Royal, including L’Agriculture, were commissioned to celebrate the ideals of the newly founded French Republic. The sculptor, Antoine François Gérard, a student of the renowned Jean Guillaume Moitte, achieved success by winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1789. This award allowed him to study and hone his skills in the artistic heart of Italy.
Upon his return, Gérard received numerous public commissions, including those for the Palais Royal. His work for the Palais Royal was a testament to his mastery of classical statuary, and a perfect example of how art could be used to inspire and educate the public.
L’Agriculture is more than just a beautiful statue. She is a powerful symbol of the importance of agriculture, both to France and to the world. The fruits, grains, and scythe she holds represent the bounty of the earth, a reminder of the essential relationship between people and the land that sustains us. The Palais Royal, once a symbol of royalty, had become a space for everyone to enjoy. L’Agriculture, a woman who stands for the strength and dignity of all who till the soil, is perfectly positioned to reflect the values of the new republic. She stands tall, as a constant reminder of the vital role agriculture plays in our lives.