Historical information

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. Spring is represented by the image of a young woman who is crowned with a floral wreath and carrying a posy. Her dress is a one-shoulder toga dress in the Greco-Roman style. In ancient times the welcome return of spring was celebrated with lengthy pagan festivals this tradition was adapted into Christians cultures.

Significance

The artwork is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Physical description

White marble figure of a woman wearing a toga dress, floral wreath headress and carrying a posy.

Inscriptions & markings

Spring