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The Mask Seller


The Mask Seller (Le Marchand de Masques) is a statue in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris by French sculptor Zacharie Astruc (1835-1907). It is one of his best known pieces, constructed in 1883.  He was also an Impressionist painter and art critic.

The Mask Seller is a bronze statue of a young boy with a mask of Victor Hugo in his left hand. He is wearing sandals and at his feet are other masks, representing famous people of the 19th century.  It is a controversial piece due to the mythological designs of Ganymede on the back on his very tight shorts – and the picture of a horse in the front.


In Greek mythology, Zeus (in the form of an eagle) abducted Ganymede to be his wine pourer. Homer, the author of Iliad, described Ganymede as the most beautiful of mortals.





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