Triomphe de Silène

The Triomphe de Silène is a bronze sculpture in the Musée d'Orsay that shows a scene where Silenus sits unsteadily on his donkey. The composition follows a pyramidal form with multiple figures arranged in dynamic fashion.

French sculptor Jules Dalou created this bronze work in 1897. It was originally placed in the Luxembourg Gardens before later being moved to the Musée d'Orsay.

The sculpture depicts Silenus, a companion of Dionysus, in a moment of divine celebration. It captures the spirit of ancient revelry through dynamic bronze craftsmanship and lively details of the figures involved.

The sculpture is located in the Musée d'Orsay's sculpture collection with wheelchair access available. Visitors can view the work during the museum's regular hours and can join guided tours if interested.

The sculpture captures Silenus in a rare moment of physical instability, showing the artist's irony about the limits of divine wisdom. This humorous portrayal of an unsteady state sets it apart from formal mythological works of the same period.

Location: 6th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1897

Creator: Jules Dalou

Height: 260 cm

Width: 198 cm

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 48.84770,2.33310

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:29