Bust of Amphitrite c. 1725

This is Lambert Sigisbert Adam’s “Bust of Amphitrite,” crafted from terracotta, and it now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. Adam, born in 1700, sculpted this bust during a period of renewed interest in classical mythology and art, yet his approach introduces a particularly French sensibility. Amphitrite, queen of the sea in Greek mythology, is presented with a gentle expression, her features softened, framed by cascading curls. Her crown, adorned with shells and sea flora, signals her dominion, but Adam avoids the severe or commanding representations of women common at the time. Instead, he infuses the bust with a subtle sensuality, a tender vulnerability that speaks to shifting ideals of femininity in 18th-century France. The soft modeling of the terracotta allows for an intimacy and warmth, inviting viewers to connect with Amphitrite not as a distant goddess, but as an approachable, almost tangible presence. This bust reflects a moment of transition, as artists began to explore the emotional and personal dimensions of mythological figures, offering new narratives that challenged traditional representations.