Description

This exquisite bronze group portrays the French Queen Marie Leczinska (1703-1768), wife of King Louis XV (1710-1774), as the Roman goddess Juno, the protectress and special counselor of the state. The queen is depicted draped in the robes of a classical goddess and standing on a cloud. In her right hand she is holding the Crown of France, while a putto on her left offers her a scepter. Her right hand rests on a shield sporting the coat of arms of the French Monarchy. A peacock, Juno’s sacred animal, is sitting at her feet, curiously looking around. The deified queen is presented in a very individualized and youthful manner with extraordinary vividness and great charm.