Le Printemps

Le Printemps is a marble statue located in the Parc de la Tête d'Or near the botanical gardens, depicting the spring season through classical sculptural form. The figure stands on a pedestal surrounded by lawns and trees, with details carved to suggest renewal and youth.

Joseph-Hugues Fabisch created this work in the 19th century as part of Lyon's effort to decorate its urban parks with fine art. The piece reflects the era's belief in making sculpture accessible to the public within green spaces rather than only in museums.

This marble work is part of a series depicting the four seasons, reflecting 19th-century artistic traditions of representing nature through the human form. Visitors notice how the figure communicates the idea of spring through gesture and clothing rather than through text or labels.

The statue is reachable through several park entrances and sits along marked art walking routes that guide visitors through the grounds. Comfortable shoes are helpful since the park is large and features natural terrain with gentle slopes.

Fabisch created all four season statues in the park, making it an unusual complete series that visitors often discover by chance while walking through different areas. Few people realize that collecting all four pieces turns a casual stroll into an art treasure hunt.