This 1696 marble sculpture is located in the Tuileries Gardens in Paris. The artist is French sculptor Francois Barois (1656-1726). He was one of the artists who worked on the many pieces at Versailles. Read more about him at (
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Vertumne, the Roman god of gardens and orchards was in love with Pomona..the goddess of abundance. His name means "rotate" in Latin. He had the ability to change his shape at will and did so- taking the form of a laborer, a reaper, a vintner, and finally an old woman to gain Pomona's favor. The story is seen as an allegory of the constant changes in the seasons. Interstingly, Vertumne may have been based on a real King of Etruria who was known for keeping excellent gardens and was given divine status after death...and then borrowed by the Etruscans and Romans in their mythologies. Read more about Vertumne (in French) at (
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The sculpture depicts Vertumne as he reveals himself as a handsome young man. He has removed his mask with his right hand and lifted his veil or head covering from his face. He is barechested and wears a flowing robe at his waist as his torso dissolves into the pedestal.