François Rude
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François Rude (1784-1855) was a French sculptor best known for the dramatic relief La Marseillaise (The Departure of the Volunteers, 1833-36) on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Born in Dijon, he won the Prix de Rome in 1812 and spent years in exile in Brussels after supporting Napoleon.
The Arc de Triomphe relief, showing the goddess of Liberty leading a charge of warriors, is one of the most powerful Romantic sculptures ever created. Its dramatic energy and patriotic fervor contrast sharply with the Neoclassical restraint that dominated French sculpture at the time. Rude also created a bronze Napoleon Awakening to Immortality near Dijon.
Sculptures by François Rude
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About François Rude
La Marseillaise (1833-36) on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, showing the goddess of Liberty leading volunteers into battle. It's one of the most dynamic and emotionally charged Romantic sculptures ever carved.
La Marseillaise is on the Arc de Triomphe, Paris. The Musée Rude in Dijon holds a collection of his works. Other pieces are at the Louvre.
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