Was Alexandre Dumas truly a creation of his father? Here stands the Alexandre Dumas Statue a tribute to a literary giant. It is also a testament to a family’s extraordinary legacy.
The Alexandre Dumas Statue, sculpted by Gustave Doré, graces Place du Général-Catroux. Inaugurated in 1881, this monument celebrates Alexandre Dumas père. Dumas was the author of classics like “The Three Musketeers”.
Place du Général Catroux has an interesting story. Created in 1862, it was originally named Place Malesherbes. But it earned the nickname “Place des Trois Dumas.” This nickname honors the three statues of the Dumas family. There is one for Alexandre Dumas fils. Another is this monument to Alexandre Dumas père. And a sculpture dedicated to General Dumas. General Dumas was Alexandre Dumas père’s father.
General Dumas’ story is incredible. Born into slavery, he rose to become a general. The sculpture dedicated to him depicts broken chains. It represents his triumph over enslavement. He was the first Black general in the French army.
Thomas Alexandre Davy de La Pailleterie was his birth name. He was born in Saint-Domingue now Haiti in 1762. His father was a Norman. His mother was a woman deported to the island. He experienced the harsh realities of plantation life. Yet, he ascended to military greatness. He became a hero in the French army.
The statue before you serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the intertwined narratives of father and son. Alexandre Dumas, the celebrated author, owes his existence to Thomas Alexandre Dumas. Thomas Alexandre Dumas was a man of remarkable courage. Thomas Alexandre Dumas defied societal constraints. The story of the father is as captivating as any novel penned by the son.
Every year, on May 10th, this place transforms. A ceremony honors the victims of slavery. It marks the National Day of Remembrance of the slave trade. It also marks slavery and its abolition.
Take a moment to appreciate the Alexandre Dumas Statue. Consider the weight of history it represents. This is a tribute to literary genius. It also serves as a memorial to a family’s enduring impact on France.