Charles Baudelaire

This bronze bust in the Luxembourg Gardens depicts a major 19th-century writer with carefully crafted details on the face and shoulders. It sits on a pedestal with an inscription near one of the garden entrances, positioned close to the Montaigne High School.

A sculptor created this work in 1933, but it remained in storage for years before being placed in the gardens in 1941. The delay between creation and installation reflects the turbulent times Europe was experiencing during that period.

The inscription on the pedestal celebrates visual artists who shaped Western art, reflecting the writer's deep connection to painting and sculpture. This choice shows how he bridged literature and the visual arts in his thinking and creative work.

You can reach it easily by entering through rue Auguste Comte and following the path into the gardens. The route is accessible for people with mobility needs, as the gardens maintain smooth walking paths to the sculpture.

What many visitors miss is that the inscription honors visual artists rather than the writer himself. This unusual choice reflects a deeper philosophy where the writer preferred to celebrate those who inspired him over seeking recognition for his own work.

Location: 6th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1933

Creator: Pierre Félix Masseau

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

GPS coordinates: 48.84450,2.33490

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:26