Again ARTICLE problem

[azkad]

Why don’t we use “a” before French sculptor in the example below?

The Statue of Liberty commemorates the alliance between France and the United States during the American Revolution (1775-1783). It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and completed in July 1884.

I would like to thank the USINGENGLISH.COM staff in advance

[fiona bramble]

Why don’t we use “a” before French sculptor in the example below?

The Statue of Liberty commemorates the alliance between France and the United States during the American Revolution (1775-1783). It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and completed in July 1884.

I would like to thank the USINGENGLISH.COM staff in advance

Hi there,
It is a good question! My thoughts on this are:
1. Although I'm not familiar with the name (I'm so uncultured), he is clearly well-known. (1884, Statue of Liberty)
2. Someone who is well-known wouldn't be just any French sculptor
3. "a" French sculptor would have the connotation of someone not yet known
4. "the" French sculptor would be possible here but may indicate that there is only one French sculptor (but to be fair, in this context, zero article and "the" would both work)

Articles are complex and some rules supercede others but I hope this helps

Fiona

[azkad]

Dear Fiona, although you think you are uncultured in terms of personal names, now I see you ARE grammatically "cultured". I appreciate your answer very much. It is something to crow about, indeed. Thanks.
Azim

[fiona bramble]

Dear Fiona, although you think you are uncultured in terms of personal names, now I see you ARE grammatically "cultured". I appreciate your answer very much. It is something to crow about, indeed. Thanks.
Azim

Yikes! I'll try not to let it go to my head
My pleasure Azim.

Fiona