1902 Galatea by Laurent Marqueste

1902 real photo postcard of Laurent Marqueste’s “Galatea” is a stunning marble sculpture created around 1885. The piece depicts Galatea, one of the Nereids from Greek mythology, known for her beauty and her tragic love story with the shepherd Acis. In this sculpture, Galatea is portrayed in a contrapposto stance, with her weight resting on one leg, creating a graceful and dynamic pose. Her arms are raised above her head, adding to the sense of movement and elegance.

Marqueste’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the delicate features and flowing lines of the figure, capturing both the sensuality and ethereal nature of Galatea. Initially presented in plaster at the Salon in 1884, the sculpture was later rendered in marble. It was acquired by the Louvre Museum, then transferred to the Musée d’Orsay, and eventually to the Musée départemental Dobrée in Nantes.

This 1902 real photo postcard of “Galatea” by Laurent Marqueste is a rare and exquisite find, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of fine art and history.