Fame 1889

"Fame," created in 1889 by Luc-Olivier Merson, is a striking portrayal of the personified concept of fame. The artwork depicts a winged figure, likely a goddess or angel, in flight. She holds a trumpet, a symbol of heraldry and announcement, in one hand while offering a laurel wreath in the other, signifying victory and achievement. This work is a powerful example of the Symbolist movement, prevalent in the late 19th century, that favored allegory and emotional expression.