Winter, 1771 Etienne-Maurice Falconet, c.1716-1791 Marble; h 135 cm The sculptor began work on Winter in 1763 for the Marquise de Pompadour. After her death he came to St Petersburg on the invitation of Catherine II, taking his unfinished work with him. It was here that he completed the sculpture for the Russian Empress. The young woman representing Winter is spreading a covering of snow over flowers, at her feet a broken cup and on the pedestal surrounded by icicles are the signs of the zodiac. The figure is distinguished by clearly defined contours and the austerity of its execution, revealing that Falconet, whilst a remarkable Rococo master, also shared the ideals of Classicism.