Statue équestre de Jeanne D’Arc

Amidst the bustling energy of Place des Pyramides, a golden figure commands attention. This is the Statue équestre de Jeanne D’Arc. It depicts Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans, atop a powerful steed, her sword at her side and banner held high. The statue has a fascinating history, shrouded in secrecy and artistic passion. The Third Republic commissioned the first version from Emmanuel Frémiet in 1872, after France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The statue, cast in bronze, was erected in 1874. It was meant to inspire national unity, drawing on the heroic figure of Joan of Arc. The location chosen was near where Joan of Arc was wounded during her attempt to liberate Paris in 1429. However, the initial reception was less than enthusiastic. Critics found fault with the proportions. Joan of Arc appeared frail on her massive Percheron horse. Frémiet’s realistic depiction clashed with the idealized image many held of the heroine. Frémiet, stung by the criticism, became obsessed with improving his work. He created a second version for Nancy in 1899, adjusting the horse’s position and Joan’s posture, making her appear more imposing. Then, during the construction of the Paris Metro in 1899, opportunity struck. The original Statue équestre de Jeanne D’Arc had to be temporarily removed. Frémiet seized this chance. He secretly replaced the original statue with his revised version. He gilded the new statue to disguise the change and perhaps as a peace offering to the Parisian public. No one noticed the swap initially. Frémiet even melted down the original to erase any evidence. This secret act, when discovered, caused a scandal, but the gilded Statue équestre de Jeanne D’Arc remains a prominent landmark in Paris. It’s a testament to a sculptor’s dedication and a nation’s enduring fascination with its heroine.