Figure group symbolic of Geography

This sculptural group symbolizes Geography. The winged putti on the left holds a map while the one on the right has a book in his lap, a compass in his hand and reaches up to the globe beside him. A cock with outstretched wings is perched on top of the globe while a garland of flowers is draped over the legs of the putti. Its pair (07.225.14a) symbolizes Astronomy.

This anonymous carving bears resemblance to drawings by Ange-Jacques Gabriel (1698-1782), the principal architect of Louis XV who was responsible for the Petit Trianon, the opera theatre at Versailles and many modifications at the palace. In May of 1774, Gabriel supplied drawings for a library at Versailles for Louis XV’s grandson who had succeeded him as Louis XVI that same month. These drawings show closely related compositions symbolizing Geography and Astronomy (but without the crowning birds) intended as over doors above the double doors in the room. Although the designs were rejected by the new king, it is possible that the sculptural groups had already been made or were executed after all. The cock, an allusion to France, and eagle, the emblem of Austria, probably refer to the union of Louis XVI and his Austrian wife, Marie-Antoinette. Traces of paint indicate that these carvings have been stripped of their original surface decoration.