Spring

This bust derives from the monumental figure of Flora, goddess of spring, which Carpeaux carved for the Pavilion de Flore at the Tuileries, the Parisian palace of Napoleon III. The Triumph of Flora was unveiled to public acclaim in 1866. A few years later the artist exploited his creation by issuing small-scale versions for sale to collectors. Variants of the entire figure (Crouching Flora) and the head (Spring) were available in marble, or cast in terracotta, bronze and, later, ceramic.