john garner collection, ballarat botanical gardens, gardens, ballarat, farnese gardens, flora, statue, rome

Thomas Stoddart, 1828 - 1905, bought 12 white marble statues during a visit to Italy. Stoddart arranged for them to be shipped to Victoria and placed on pedestals of Sicilian marble and on bases of Victorian granite. These statues were unveiled in the gardens on Queen Victoria's birthday, 24th May, 1884. His intention was for the statues to adorn and add interest to the gardens. The noble Roman Farnese family statue of Flora, goddess of spring, shown with stylised dress and flowers in hair.The artwork is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of BallaratWhite marble figure, the noble Roman Farnese family statue of Flora, goddess of spring, shown with stylised dress and flowers in hair.Flora Farnese Presented by Thomas Stoddart 1884flora farnese, stoddart