A Louis XVI Figure of Flora, by François Lucas

Mallett, New York.

The present sculpture depicts Flora, the Roman Goddess of flowers and springtime. She is identifiable by the bouquet of blossoms supported by her drapery. Allegorical imagery such as this was popular in 18th century Europe.

François Lucas (1736 - 1813) was the son of the sculptor Pierre Lucas (1692-1752), whom he first learned his trade from. Both father and son primarily worked in their native city of Toulouse, but François did a short sojourn in Carrara, Italy. Upon his return to France, he became the primary sculptor in Toulouse. Today, his works can found across Toulouse, including on the Ponts-Jumeaux and in the Musée des Augustins.

RELATED LITERATURE

S. Lami, Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de L’École Française, vol. II, Paris 1911, p. 98.