Hébé et l'aigle de Jupiter (Hebe and the Eagle of Jupiter)
Free-standing sculpture, monumental format • François Rude (French, 1784–1855). Completed by his student/nephew Paul Cabet after Rude's death.
Style & Movement
Romanticism with Neoclassical roots
Medium & Technique
Statuary White Carrara Marble; involves subtractive carving, high-polish finishing for skin surfaces, and textured chiseling for the eagle's plumage.
Creation Period
1852-1857
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 254 x 130 x 130 cm; vertical/monumental format within an architectural setting.
Subject Description
The sculpture depicts the goddess Hebe, the cupbearer of the gods, offering nectar to Jupiter in the form of an eagle. Hebe is shown partially draped, leaning against a pedestal, while the massive eagle stands over her with outstretched wings. It is a mythological narrative exploring the interaction between divinity and earthly grace.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the marble maintains its structural integrity and crystalline sheen typical of a museum-held environment.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000,000 - $10,000,000 (Note: As a national treasure of France, it is practically priceless and unavailable for private sale.)
Auction Estimate
$4,000,000 - $8,000,000 (if ever deaccessioned)
Provenance History
Commissioned for the artist's hometown of Dijon (Musée des Beaux-Arts); currently housed in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris, illustrating a history of public and national ownership.
Art Historical Significance
Rude’s final work, representing a culmination of his style which bridged Revoluntionary Neoclassicism and the emotional dynamism of Romanticism. It serves as a testament to his influence on 19th-century French sculpture.
Notable Features
The contrast between the soft, smooth rendering of Hebe's flesh and the sharp, powerful anatomical detail of the eagle. The piece sits in the 'Allée des Sculptures' at the Musée d'Orsay, beneath the iconic barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust in recessed areas of the drapery and plumage; very slight natural yellowing of the marble's veins over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic dry brushing for dust removal; maintained in a climate-controlled interior environment with UV-filtered lighting to prevent discoloration.