Lion, Marble sculpture in Jardin du Luxembourg, France.

Lion is a marble sculpture carved by Jean Baptiste Henraux in 1813, placed in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The lion sits upright on its haunches with front legs straight, its mane rendered in thick carved locks and its head turned slightly to one side. The stone shows weathering on the paws and base.

Jean Baptiste Henraux created the sculpture in 1813 when public artworks were becoming more common in Parisian gardens. The work emerged during a period when the city was enriching its public spaces with classical sculptures.

The sculpture reflects the French tradition of placing classical animal figures throughout public gardens to enhance their overall character. Visitors notice how the lions draw attention and help define the garden's spaces as they walk through.

The lion stands along the garden's eastern walkways, which are paved and level, so it can be reached on foot or by wheelchair. The nearest entrances are on the Rue de Médicis and Rue Guynemer sides, and benches line the path for resting.

The work is one of a matching pair of lion sculptures in the garden arranged symmetrically. This pairing was part of an intentional design concept to create balance and formal harmony.