La Seine et ses Affluents

La Seine et ses Affluents is a marble sculpture positioned at the entrance of the Petit Palais, depicting mythological water deities in a structured arrangement. The composition features the main river at the top with its tributaries positioned below in a triangular formation.

Maurice Ferrary created this marble work for the 1900 World Fair, coinciding with the Petit Palais opening to the public. The sculpture was produced as part of the major artistic effort that accompanied this significant international exhibition.

The figures express a classical bond between the main river and its branches through mythological forms that greet visitors at the entrance. This placement marks a passage where the natural world meets art and architecture.

The sculpture is accessible year-round during the Petit Palais opening hours and can be viewed from outside the building. The best viewing angle is from the entrance courtyard where the marble details are clearly visible.

The figures are arranged in a pyramid-like formation where the water deities function as a connected composition rather than separate statues. This arrangement creates a dynamic representation of the river system as one unified whole.