Morpheus

sculpture by Houdon

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July 19, 2026

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Morpheus is a sculpture created by the French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon. Houdon, a renowned sculptor of the 18th century, is known for his religious, mythological, and portrait works that blend Rococo style with classicism and naturalism.1

The sculpture Morpheus was presented by Houdon in 1770 as his reception piece for membership in the Académie Royale. A marble version of this work was completed in 1777. In Greek mythology, Morpheus is the god of dreams, known for sending human shapes to sleepers. Houdon's artistic skill lay in capturing vivid physiognomy and character, making his sculptures, including Morpheus, definitive expressions of his era.123

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Jean-Antoine Houdon
…he presented a reclining figure, Morpheus (marble version, 1777), as his reception piece for membership in the Académie Royale. He earned his livelihood, however, through portraiture; his sitters included Denis Diderot, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, and Benjamin Franklin.
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…he presented a reclining figure, Morpheus (marble version, 1777), as his reception piece for membership in the Académie Royale. He earned his livelihood, however, through portraiture; his sitters included Denis Diderot, Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, and Benjamin Franklin.
Read More