Martha Stewart’s French-designed sculpture shows how deeply art can flow with nature – it's the most dramatic feature on her terrace

Martha Stewart, synonymous with her beautiful gardens, is a force in the planting world. However, the most statement piece on her Skylands terrace wasn't homegrown in Maine. Instead, it was handmade in France by the celebrated artist Aristide Maillol in the mid twentieth century.

Named La Rivière (The River), Aristide completed the original sculpture in 1943, while the first bronze casts were produced in 1948. Martha first encountered the piece as a student at Barnard College during a trip to the Museum of Modern Art's sculpture garden, where she was drawn to its serene form.

She purchased her bronze cast at an art show at the Park Avenue Armory, before installing it in her estate in Maine's Northeast Harbor, where it lives today.

In true Martha style, she's set the bar for all outdoor art. Her sculpture rests in a mossy garden bed, surrounded by ferns, Japanese maples, and other plantings, emphasizing how such pieces can live in harmony with plantings. It's a lesson in yard art ideas, proving that they can thrive in natural environments. While we can't all have a version of La Rivière of our own, we can follow her example to rethink how we see art outdoors.

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Martha's sculpture is among the most beautiful features of her garden, but you don't need to invest in a piece as stunning as La Rivière to replicate some of its beauty. Nicole Roe, the founder of R. Nickson Interiors, explains that any piece you choose (no matter its value or scale) is a way to set your yard aside, and ensure the space feels truly your own.

'So many neighborhoods today have homes with nearly identical exteriors. Think same siding, same roofline, same landscaping template. One of the most beautiful ways to show personality and create distinction is by bringing art outside,' she says.

'Garden sculptures aren’t limited to the classic bronze figure in the backyard. They can be playful, functional, or subtle, Such as lighting that doubles as sculpture, planters with sculptural bases, elevated plant stands, trellises that become art once the greenery climbs. A piece might be purely decorative, or it might serve a purpose and bring joy, sparking conversation whenever someone notices it.'

As Martha's beautiful arrangement (complete with the surrounding ferns) emphasises how styling these pieces is essential to their overall sucsess in your garden.

'The beauty of outdoor art is how it interacts with nature. Sculptures can reflect light, introduce bold color, or add a sense of movement to an otherwise simple landscape,' Nicole comments. 'They also evolve with the seasons. They may stand out starkly in winter, partially hidden by summer blooms, or framed by fall leaves. Your art becomes part of the garden’s rhythm.'

Lastly, while garden art may initially sound like an expensive venture, it doesn't need to be as costly as you think. 'Exterior artists can be found at accessible price points on platforms like Wescover and Etsy,' Nicole adds.

'Whether you’re investing in a one-of-a-kind commission or simply adding a whimsical piece to your backyard, outdoor art invites personality, surprise, and joy into everyday life. This goes beyond the standard garden gnome.'