River

River is a lead sculpture by French artist Aristide Maillol depicting a female figure in a reclining pose on her left side. The work demonstrates his characteristic style through its solid, simplified form and the careful balance of the body's positioning.

The work originated from a commission by Henri Barbusse with a specific conceptual direction, which Maillol transformed according to his own artistic vision. It became part of important collections at the Carrousel Garden following Dina Vierny's bequest to French art institutions.

The figure depicts a female model who appeared regularly in Maillol's work and embodied his artistic vision of the human form. She represents his approach to depicting the female body as a subject of formal exploration rather than narrative.

The sculpture stands in the Carrousel Garden between the wings of the Louvre and is accessible via paved pathways that wind through the formal garden areas. The location is easy to reach and sits within a public garden that visitors can freely explore.

The work exists in multiple cast versions displayed in major museums and public spaces around the world. These different installations allow visitors to experience Maillol's sculptural language across various settings and contexts.

Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1938

Creator: Aristide Maillol

Height: 128 cm

Width: 220 cm

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: lead

GPS coordinates: 48.86204,2.33119

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54