Alfred-Désiré Lanson (1851-1898) studied under Jouffroy and began exhibiting at the Paris Salon in 1870. He specialised in mythological and allegorical figures, winning several prizes for his work, including the Grand Prix at the Universal Exhibition of 1889. He was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 1882. The present statue of Jason, entitled Jason enlevant la Toison d'or is possibly Lanson's magnum opus, in 1876 it gained him first prize and Prix de Rome and was exhibited in the Salle des grands prix de sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts. The Paris foundry Susse edited the figure in three sizes, of which the present is the largest. A relatively rare mythological subject in 19th century sculpture, Lanson has drawn inspiration from Renaissance models of Perseus and combined it with 19th century romantic realism with successful dramatic effect.