Corinne at The Louvre, Paris

cults3d

This stunning marble bust is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of French sculptor Edme-François-Étienne Gois. Born in Paris, he was raised by his father, Étienne-Pierre-Adrien Gois, a skilled sculptor who initially mentored him. Gois then pursued his artistic education at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts, where he impressed judges with his talent, winning second prize in sculpture in 1788 and first prize two years later for a compelling depiction of Abimelech Taking Sarah. Initially, Pierre-Charles Bridan had been awarded the top honor, but Gois wrote a passionate letter to King Louis XVI, who intervened on his behalf, securing him the coveted prize. The monarch's swift action ensured that the award was presented promptly, and it was bestowed upon Gois without delay. This captivating bust is a poignant representation of Corinne, the central character from Germaine de Stael's 1836 novel of the same name. A trailblazing French woman of letters with Swiss roots, Madame de Staël-Holstein lived through the tumultuous era of the French Revolution and Napoleon's rise to power. As one of Napoleon's most formidable opponents, she wielded her sharp intellect and eloquence to shape the course of European Romanticism. Her influential works, both fictional and critical, left an indelible mark on the history of literature, cementing her legacy as a pioneering figure in her time.