Famous Females - Statues of Paris

With the multiplicity of museums, religious structures, and plazas in Paris, one finds it difficult to avoid artistic statues. Some of the most prominent statues in the “city of lights” are female forms. Out of all the statues contained in this area, the Venus de Milo might possibly be the most famous. Found in one of hundreds of rooms in the Louvre Museum, this version of Venus attracts droves of tourists of every nationality on a daily basis. In an attempt to portray the goddess of beauty and love, the artist molded a very curvy and smooth shape. Sadly, the arms of the representation of Venus were lost during some unknown event in its original location. However, the statue remains an admired piece of art today for its everlasting splendor and propaganda created by the French when competing with the Medici Venus of Italy. The next sculpture illustrates the well known Athena. Although this specific depiction of the Greek goddess located in the Louvre Museum does not receive worldwide fame, it proves the importance of the mythological gods of past civilizations. In order to emphasize the attributes of a goddess of wisdom and war, the sculptor chose to create a female with disproportionate features. In effect, the immense height of the statue dominates the hall of similar Greek artwork. The last feminine statue of interest is a representation of Joan of Arc, situated in front of St. Augustin Cathedral. With particular importance to the history of the country of France, this statue provides the Parisians with a reminder of their past. After claiming to have received visions from God, she led the French against the English who had claims to the French land. With her help, the French regained their land, yet she was eventually executed for supposed heresy. At least her legacy can live on in the various artworks, musical scores, and the television industry that continue to portray this significant character in history.

Patrick Lee