Apollon servi par les nymphes, groupe sculpté de François Girardon
Apollon servi par les nymphes is a marble group of seven figures created in 1666, showing the sun god resting while nymphs attend to him. The sculptures display precise carving of drapery, musculature, and facial features that demonstrate expert craftsmanship and composition.
The sculptures were created in 1666 by François Girardon and Thomas Regnaudin for the Grotto of Tethys at Versailles. When the grotto was destroyed in 1684, the works were relocated to form the Baths of Apollo, where they have remained a cornerstone of French baroque heritage.
This marble group reflects the 17th-century French fascination with classical mythology and divine power. The scene expresses how the royal court used sculpture to convey majesty and connect the king's authority to the sun god.
The group is now displayed in a gallery room within the castle after being moved there in 2023 from protective storage. Visitors should view the sculptures from different angles to fully appreciate the intricate marble carving and composition.
The group was inspired by the famous Apollo Belvedere, an ancient Greek sculpture that captivated artists of the era. This artistic connection reveals how French sculptors incorporated classical masterpieces into their own works to express royal magnificence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
