Statue of Woman Pulling Thorn from Her Foot 

Jean-Baptiste Pigalle created this sculpture of a woman pulling a thorn from her foot. Pigalle, who lived during the Enlightenment, a time when reason and individualism were emphasized, crafted this sculpture in the Neoclassical style, which favored a return to classical forms. This embrace of classical aesthetics intersected with the Enlightenment's own fascination with the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome, where the human form was celebrated for its beauty and potential. Notice how Pigalle has sculpted the woman in a moment of quiet self-care, her body rendered with a sensuous naturalism. Yet, this depiction also reveals a complex interplay between vulnerability and strength. She is caught in a moment of private pain, yet she is also actively addressing her discomfort. This sculpture challenges the traditional image of women as passive figures, offering an alternative narrative of resilience and self-determination. The sculpture embodies a pivotal moment of shifting cultural values, where representations of women began to reflect a more nuanced understanding of their roles and experiences in society.