Valentina of Milan, Marble statue in Jardin du Luxembourg, France
The statue of Valentina of Milan is a marble figure in the Jardin du Luxembourg, carved in 1846 by Victor Huguenin. It stands among the twenty Reines de France et Femmes illustres, the series of queens and notable women installed around the garden's central basin. The duchess appears standing, in a long gown with a mantle, her hands composed before her.
The marble statue was commissioned from the Besançon-born sculptor Victor Huguenin and installed in 1846, during the reign of Louis Philippe I. It belongs to the series of 20 statues of Queens of France and famous women begun under Louis-Philippe for the Jardin du Luxembourg. Valentina Visconti, daughter of Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan, married Louis I, Duke of Orléans, in 1389.
The statue belongs to the series of 20 Queens of France and Illustrious Women commissioned by Louis-Philippe for the Jardin du Luxembourg. Valentina Visconti, daughter of the Duke of Milan, married Louis I, Duke of Orléans, in 1389. Her marble figure stands among the queens lining the terrace, and her name is carved on the pedestal.
The sculpture stands in a public garden and is freely accessible to visitors strolling through. The garden opens and closes at different times depending on the season, so it is helpful to check hours in advance.
The work was created by sculptor Victor Huguenin, who was known in his time for his refined portrayals of women. His technique is evident in the careful rendering of clothing and facial features, which maintain a gentle quality despite the hardness of the material.
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