“Behold, a warrior frozen in stone.” This is the Amazone Statue. This statue stands on the Grande Galerie Orientale wing. It is part of the Cour Napoleon courtyard. But there is also another Amazone Statue at Aile de Marsan wing.
Let’s explore the story behind this powerful figure. In Greek mythology, Amazons were a race of women warriors. They were often depicted with one breast covered. The French spelling is “Amazone.”
There are actually two Amazone statues. One Amazone statue was sculpted by Charles Emile Marie Seurre. He was born in Paris in 1798. Seurre, also known as Seurre the Younger, was a renowned French sculptor. He won the Prix de Rome in 1824. Seurre was famous for his portrait statues of great men. His most famous work is the statue of Napoleon Bonaparte. It can be seen from the courtyard at Les Invalides. He also received commissions for statues at The Louvre Museum including the Amazone Statue.
To see Seurre’s Amazone, look up to the second level of the facade. It is on the Grande Galerie Orientale wing.
The second Amazone Statue you’ll find here was sculpted by Jean Baptiste Klagmann. This Amazone is on the Aile de Marsan wing. Klagmann was born in 1810. He first became an engraver. Later, he became a sculptor. He studied under Jules Ramey and Jean Jacques Feuchere.
During King Louis Philippe’s reign, Klagmann created an ornate water fountain. He then received a commission for the Queens of France and Famous Women series. He also created the Naiads on the Fontaine de Leda.
Klagmann worked on other tourist attractions under renovation. These included the Palais Royal and the Palais Garnier. He created the Amazone statue in 1866 for the former Palais du Louvre. He passed away shortly after, in 1867.
Klagmann’s Amazone is in a niche on the second level of the Aile de Marsan. When viewing the Louvre Museum facade from the Cour du Carrousel courtyards, find the 8th statue from the left.
Both Amazone statues capture the spirit of these legendary women. They embody strength and independence. These statues serve as a reminder of the Amazon’s enduring legacy. They connect us to ancient myths and artistic skill. The Amazone Statue stands as a testament to the power and artistry. It enriches the Louvre’s cultural tapestry. It invites us to reflect on the captivating stories of the past.