Faune Mordu

Installed in the rose garden, a tormented sculpture has caused a lot of ink to flow. Le faune mordu (‘the bitten faun’) is a sculpture by Jef Lambeaux dated in 1902. It represents a mythological Roman character (a faun) harassing a naked woman. She fights back and bites the faun’s ear. Made of plaster before being cast in bronze, the sculpture was the subject of controversy in a number of fairs and exhibitions. Displayed in Liège in 1905 as part of the World’s Fair, it was immediately withdrawn following indignant articles and reactions. Eventually bought back by the city, in 1950 it was installed where it now stands and is on view to everyone.