What if I told you this statue is more than just art? It’s a symbol of Lille’s resilience. Right here on the Grand Place stands the Colonne de la Déesse. It’s more than just a statue. It embodies the spirit of Lille.
The Colonne de la Déesse commemorates the heroism of Lille’s citizens. It remembers their bravery during the 1792 siege. The Imperial Army laid siege to Lille. The people of Lille stood firm.
This monument was inaugurated on October 8, 1845. It stands proudly in the heart of Lille. Today, it’s known as Place du Général-de-Gaulle. The statue is a bronze figure of a woman. She holds a boutefeu in her right hand. This is used to light cannons. Her left hand points to an inscription. It is on the base of the column.
The inscription is the defiant response of Lille’s mayor. François André-Bonte refused to surrender the city. This was on September 29, 1792. The statue is the work of Théophile Bra. He was a sculptor from Douai. Charles Benvignat was the architect.
The column quickly became known as the Colonne de la Déesse. This happened after a local poem was published. A fountain surrounds its base. The column itself is impressive. It measures 15.51 meters in height. Without the statue, it is 12.51 meters tall. The base has a diameter of 3.7 meters. The column is made of fluted granite.
Each side of the pedestal bears inscriptions. These tell the story of the siege. One side declares the mayor’s defiant answer. It states: “We have just renewed our oath to be faithful to the Nation. To maintain Liberty and Equality or to die at our post. We are not perjurers.” Another side marks the lifting of the siege. This happened on the night of October 7 to 8, 1792. Another inscription honors the people of Lille in 1792. It is a tribute from their fellow citizens in 1842. The final side quotes a decree. It proclaims: “The inhabitants of Lille have greatly deserved the fatherland.” This was decreed on October 12, 1792.
The statue is three meters tall. The woman is draped in robes. She wears a crown of towers. This symbolizes the city of Lille. Some say she resembles Marie-Josephe Bigo-Danel. She was the wife of the mayor at the time.
Ordinary people called her “The Goddess” at the inauguration. Emile Durieux dedicated a poem to her. It reads: “Who is this proud goddess at the top of this monument? It is the city of Lille, in a day of distress, pronouncing the oath to conquer or perish!”
Symbolically, the Goddess reminds people. She maintains Lille’s patriotism toward France. The siege of Lille began on September 29. It lasted until October 6. The resistance of Lille’s people was strong. They were led by Mayor François André-Bonte. The National Convention declared. “Lille has greatly deserved the fatherland.”
Jacques-Louis David proposed a lasting monument. He suggested a pyramid or obelisk made of French granite. Though artists proposed projects, none were chosen at the time. In the 1830s, Théophile Bra created a statue of Lille. It was for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. When that project failed, he offered the statue to Lille.
In 1842, the fiftieth anniversary of the siege renewed calls for a monument. Charles Benvignat’s design was chosen. Théophile Bra created the statue. He aimed to capture the Flemish spirit. He observed the people of Lille. He wanted to portray courage and resilience.
The statue holds a boutefeu. Her left hand points to the inscription. This monument has stood here for over a century. It has witnessed wars and celebrations. It remains a symbol of Lille’s enduring spirit. The LOSC Lille football club even sings about the Goddess. “We are the children of the Goddess. We are the children of Lille.” The Colonne de la Déesse is more than a statue. It’s the heart of Lille.