FRANCE-MUSEUM-STUDIO-STATUES-CAST

A bust of French Marianne modelled by Deville-Chabrolle on French actress and top model Laetitia Casta is seen at the moulding studio of the Louvre and the Museums of France, 12 January 2007. The earliest representations of a woman wearing a Phrygian cap, an allegorical figure of Liberty and the Republic, made their appearance at the time of the French Revolution. Marianne symbolizes the "Triumph of the Republic". Her profile features on the official seal of the country. It is engraved on coins and drawn on stamps and banknotes. Marianne is considered as the most prominent depiction of the French Republic. In recent times, Marianne has taken on the aspect of famous actresses.The moulding studio was first created in 1794 to produce busts and statues for museums and fine art schools. AFP PHOTO FRANCOIS GUILLOT (Photo by Francois GUILLOT / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP via Getty Images)