Seated Voltaire 

Jean-Antoine Houdon sculpted this terracotta sculpture, "Seated Voltaire," which immortalizes the celebrated French Enlightenment writer and philosopher. Houdon captures Voltaire in his later years, seated and draped in what appears to be classical garb, a deliberate choice that elevates Voltaire to the status of an intellectual icon akin to the philosophers of antiquity. Voltaire was a controversial figure, known for his sharp wit and criticism of religious and political institutions. Houdon's sculpture reflects Voltaire's complex identity as both a revered intellectual and a social critic. It offers a more intimate and human portrayal, capturing his aged features and contemplative expression, inviting us to consider the weight of his intellectual pursuits and the impact of his ideas on society. The sculpture challenges the traditional representations of power and authority, favoring intellectual prowess over aristocratic grandeur. It stands as a tribute to the power of ideas and the enduring legacy of those who dare to challenge the status quo.