The Death of Lais

The Death of Lais is a marble sculpture carved by the sculptor Mathieu-Meusnier that depicts a mythological scene. The work occupies a defined place within the garden's expansive landscape and tells its story through form and composition.

The sculpture was created around 1850 during the Second Empire period when mythological themes were favored by French artists. This era saw a strong interest in classical subjects and their reinterpretation through contemporary artistic eyes.

The subject comes from ancient mythology and shows how 19th-century artists used classical stories to reflect their own era. The statue's name points to a tale of love and loss that stays with visitors as they view the marble figure.

The statue sits in the central section of the Tuileries Garden, easily accessible as you walk between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. You can view the work from all angles and spot it without difficulty while strolling through the park.

Though based on ancient mythology, the sculpture also speaks to questions that preoccupied 19th-century artists about death and beauty. The choice of this classical subject was a subtle artistic statement for its time.

Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1850

Creator: Mathieu-Meusnier

Height: 1.2 m

Width: 1.64 m

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 48.86183,2.32914

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:30