The French Marianne

A French composite limestone 'Marianne', featured in profile within a medallion decorated with laurel wreaths and flowers. In France, since the French Revolution, the Marianne is displayed as national personification of the French Republic in town halls and in law courts, and she usually wears the iconic Phrygian cap and symbolises Liberty, Reason and the Civic Virtues of the Republic. it is unusual to find a Marianne of such large proportions, and for her to be portrayed in profile. Signed on the flank "Syamour 1880", after renown French Republican and Feminist sculptor Marguerite Syamour, 1857-1945.