Carré des Niobides

The "Carré des Niobides" is a sculpture by French artist Michel Bourbon. The fountain surrounded by statues are casts of antiques found in a reserve and restored by the restorer sculptor Michel Bourbon, a friend of Balthus. The original antiques had been sent to Florence in 1770.
This work which represents the mythological scene of the Niobides, the children of Nobiée and Amphion killed by Apollo and Artemis, is remarkable for the successful alliance between Nature and Art. The Scene is highly expressive with the sad fate reserved for those who dare to challenge the power of the Gods! In Greek mythology, Niobe, wife of the king of Thebes, Amphion, and proud mother of seven sons and seven daughters, mocked Leto, who had given birth onlyto Apollo and Artemis. The latter, in revenge, killed the children of Niobe with arrows. It was then that Niobe asked and obtained from Zeus to bec hanged into a weeping statue.