GIRARDON, François

French sculptor, famous exponent of classicism who worked for Louis XIV at Versailles. His most famous sculptures there are Apollo Tended by Nymphs (begun 1666; original grouping altered) in the grotto of Thetis, and Rape of Persephone (begun 1677) in the gardens. His other work includes the monument to Richelieu (1675-77).

He was the most eminent sculptor in France during the last three decades of the 17th century, playing a vital part in the creation of the French classicalGLOSSARYRelating to the culture of ancient Greece and Rome (classical Antiquity). The classical world played a profoundly important role in the Renaissance, with Italian scholars, writers, and artists seeing their own period as the rebirth (the "renaissance") of classical values after the Middle Ages. The classical world was considered the golden age for the arts, literature, philosophy, and politics. Concepts of the classical, however, changed greatly from one period to the next. Roman literature provided the starting point in the 14th century, scholars patiently finding, editing and translating a wide range of texts. In the 15th century Greek literature, philosophy and art - together with the close study of the remains of Roman buildings and sculptures-expanded the concept of the classical and ensured it remained a vital source of ideas and inspiration. style and, through his role as dominant sculptor on the royal works of Louis XIV, helping to disseminate this style in France, as well as turning it into a model for emulation throughout Europe.