Jean-Alexandre-Joseph FalguièreFrench, 1831–1900Phryné
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Phryné” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The inspiration for this sensual nude, a favorite subject of Falguière, was the painting Phryné Before the Areopagus by the sculptor's brother-in-law Jean-Leon Gérôme. Phryné was a courtesan of Ancient Greece--her sandals and necklace represent her place in ancient history. In the painting, Phryné stands at her trial--reportedly for impropriety--while the orator Hyperedes, her defender, removes her robe to get pity on her from the jury. Falguière used both live models and photographs of them in creating his sculpture. Because of the similarity, both Gérôme and Falguière may have used the same photograph by Nadar for their models.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 2016.33.28
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
