Gustave Flaubert

The Gustave Flaubert memorial is a bronze bust in the Jardin du Luxembourg showing the French novelist in profile. The sculpture features realistic facial details and a stern expression that reflects the author's character.

Auguste Clésinger created the bust in 1880, the same year Flaubert died, but it was not installed in the garden until 1922. The delay between creation and placement shows it took decades for the work to find its permanent home.

The bust sits alongside sculptures of other French writers and artists in the garden, reflecting how the space honors important literary figures. It shows how people created permanent tributes to authors they valued.

The bronze bust sits near the central fountain and is accessible through multiple walking paths in the garden. Visitors can easily find it since it is positioned prominently among other artworks and green spaces.

The bust captures his characteristic profile with a notably large nose, a feature visible in many photographs of the author. This physical detail gives the sculpture a particular individuality that goes beyond a simply idealized portrayal.

Location: 6th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1880s

Creator: Auguste Clésinger

GPS coordinates: 48.84610,2.33950

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:24