Félix-Joseph Barrias (Paris 1822-1907)

A study for the allegorical figure of sculpture in Picardy surrounded by the leading towns: Amiens, Beauvais, Laon and Boulogne-sur-Mer [...], a picture datable 1862-63 and commissioned for the decoration of the Musée de Picardie, Amiens where the picture remains to this day (D. Vieville, 'Le musée et son décor: Amiens, Le Museé de Picardie’, Revue du Louvre, La Revue des Musées de France, 1995, no. 2, p. 59, fig. 8). The painting shows the allegorical figure of Picardy on a throne surrounded by the four towns, with in the foreground the allegorical representations of sculpture, architecture and painting. Barrias was also responsible for other decorations in the museum such as the ceiling paintings of the dome and the grand stairway.