The Garden of Luxembourg was laid out in 1630s for Marie de Medicis, the widow of Henri IV. It was inspired by atmosphere of the Boboli gardens in Florence, where the queen of France had spent her childhood. Originally a private garden, it was open for public in 1778.
One of the highlights of the garden is the baroque fountain de Medicis – a beautiful sculptural composition under the shade of old trees. Built in 1624, initially it was called the Grotte du Luxembourg, as it was modeled after the grotto of Bountalenti in Boboli. Today this is the only remaining original decoration of the garden.
Central motive of the fountain represents Polyphemus Surprising Acis and Galatea by Ottin, added to the fountain in 1861. Characters of Greek mythology, cyclop Polyphemus fell in passionate love with nymph Galatea, while she was attracted to Acis. The moment Polyphemus (made in bronze) discovers lovers (in marble) is depicted in sculpture.
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| Fountain Marie de Médicis in the Garden of Luxembourg |
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