Misery, Marble statue in Tuileries Garden, Paris, France
Misery is a marble statue in Tuileries Garden depicting a man grasping a serpent while two children cling to his legs. The work stands approximately 2.86 meters tall and 1.08 meters wide, presenting three figures within a single sculptural composition.
French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Hugues created this work in 1905 as part of an artistic program for the Parisian garden. It was positioned with eleven other sculptures arranged around a large circular basin, forming a deliberate grouping of thematic artworks.
The statue conveys human hardship through its visual arrangement, showing a struggle that viewers can witness firsthand. It reflects how early 20th century French artists portrayed emotional suffering and resilience.
The sculpture is located in the eastern section of the Grand Carre area and remains accessible during the garden's open hours. Best viewed from multiple angles as you walk around it, the statue sits in an open setting amid pathways and landscaped grounds.
The statue incorporates an unexpected detail: a serpent is woven into the composition and intertwined with the main figure's form. This element adds symbolic depth to the work that reveals itself upon closer observation.
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