La Messagère, Bronze sculpture in Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France
La Messagère is a bronze sculpture by Gabriel Forestier located in the Jardin du Luxembourg, depicting a female figure representing the goddess Iris. The work sits within the garden's grounds alongside many other statues that form part of Paris's public art collection.
The work was originally conceived in 1891 and underwent several revisions before its final casting at Alexis Rudier's foundry in 1894. This production timeline reflects the careful artistic process typical of fine bronze casting during that period.
The figure represents Iris from Greek mythology, a deity associated with messages and divine communication that resonates with French artistic traditions. This mythological choice shaped how the garden's visitors understand the role of art in public spaces dedicated to beauty and contemplation.
The sculpture is located in the Jardin du Luxembourg, which opens daily from sunrise to sunset with free entry to all visitors. Since the statue sits within an expansive garden, it helps to allow time for exploring and checking its exact location before your visit.
The sculpture stands out for the deliberate absence of the head and one arm, emphasizing the female form and sense of movement. This artistic choice gives the work a modern quality that feels surprisingly contemporary for its late 19th-century creation.
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