Nymphe et Enfant Tenant un Trident - Versailles, France
Posted by: Metro2
N 48° 48.335 E 002° 07.159
31U E 435334 N 5406217
The gardens of Versailles have hundreds of sculptures. This one is located along the side of the pool near the Chateau.
Waymark Code: WMD127
Location: Île-de-France, France
Date Posted: 11/04/2011
Views: 23
This 1688 bronze sculpture is entitled "Nymphe et Enfant Tenant un Trident" or in English "Nymph and Child Holding a Trident". It depicts a woman laying on her side with a flimsy dress exposing her right breast. She props herself up with her left arm (which seems to be on a shield) as she looks to the distance. She holds some coral in her left hand on her lap. She wears a laurel...made perhaps with seaweed? A yound child stand behind her and hold a trident...threatening an iguana.
The artists are Laurent Magnier (1615-1700) & Balthasar Keller (1638-1702).
In Greek mythology, Nymphs were considered devine spirits...who lived in mountains and groves and led lifestyles free of the strict moral code demanded of real women at the time. This nymph seems to be more of a marine spirit. Read more about them at (
visit link)