Marianne of France

Here you see Marianne rising over the umbrellas of the Montcuq Marché. Marianne, is the national emblem of the French Republic, and by extension, an allegory of Liberty and Reason. She represents France as a state, and its values (as opposed to the "Gallic rooster" representing France as a nation and its history, land and culture). She is displayed in many places in France and holds a place of honour in town halls and law courts. She symbolises the "Triumph of the Republic", a bronze sculpture overlooking the Place de la Nation in Paris. Her profile stands out on the official seal of the country, is engraved on French euro coins and appears on French postage stamps; it also was featured on the former franc currency. Marianne is one of the most prominent symbols of the French Republic.
The most recent model for the official sculpture of Marianne was the French model Laétitia Casta. Here is a shot of her posing next to the official bust of Marianne. Not long after this bust was created Laétitia created a stir by moving to London. She claimed the move was for business purposes. Other people suggested that she moved to avoid the high taxes France imposes on wealthy people.