Portrait of a Young Girl at The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

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Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, born February 15, 1704, was a renowned French sculptor who dominated the field of portrait art. His iconic sculpture of Vertumnus and Pomona showcases his exceptional talent and can be viewed on Scan the World. As the pupil of his father, Jean-Louis Lemoyne, and Robert Le Lorrain, he honed his craft under the guidance of two esteemed masters. To distinguish him from his uncle of the same name, he is commonly referred to as Jean-Baptiste II Lemoyne or "the younger." Lemoyne's impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious prix de Rome awarded by the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. However, instead of pursuing a life in Rome, he chose to stay in Paris to care for his blind father. This selfless act only added to his reputation as a compassionate and dedicated artist. Despite being a leading figure in his time, Lemoyne faced intense criticism from those who rejected the Rococo style that he embodied. The Neoclassicism movement gained momentum, and Lemoyne's unconventional approach was seen as a disregard for traditional values. His detractors accused him of lacking firmness and intellectual grasp, but Lemoyne remained committed to his artistic vision. Tragically, many of Lemoyne's notable works have been destroyed or lost over time. The equestrian statue of Louis XV for the military school was among those that met a tragic fate during the French Revolution. Only the bas-relief panels have survived the test of time. Lemoyne's portrait busts are a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry. His female subjects, in particular, are considered some of his finest works. Notable examples include Fontenelle, Voltaire, Latour, and Madame de Pompadour. He also created a statue of Pompadour dressed as a nymph, showcasing his ability to capture the subtleties of human emotion. Lemoyne's impact extended beyond his own work, as he played a significant role in training future generations of artists. His pupils, including Étienne Maurice Falconet, Pigalle, Caffiéri, and Augustin Pajou, went on to become renowned sculptors in their own right. This remarkable object is part of the "Scan The World" initiative, a community-driven project that aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe. If you have interesting items to contribute, please email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. This object was scanned using photogrammetry and processed with Agisoft PhotoScan.