Archidamas

Archidamas is a marble sculpture of an athlete in classical pose, standing about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall in the Luxembourg Gardens. The white figure shows a person preparing for a discus throw, a subject that expresses physical strength and skill.

French sculptor Philippe Joseph Henri Lemaire created this work in 1887 at a time when French artists were deeply engaged with ancient Greek subjects. The piece came about during an era when heroic and athletic figures were highly popular in public art.

The statue represents a Spartan king from ancient times and reflects how the French valued Greek history and its ideals. You can see this appreciation for classical traditions in how the figure is positioned among the garden paths.

The work is easy to find in the Luxembourg Gardens and can be reached from several entrances. The paths around the sculpture are well-maintained and allow comfortable viewing from different angles.

The statue is part of a large collection of works in the garden arranged thoughtfully across different locations to create a planned artistic experience. Many visitors walk past it without noticing that it depicts a famous Spartan ruler.

Location: 6th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1887

Creator: Philippe Joseph Henri Lemaire

Height: 1.5 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 48.84600,2.33320

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:30