Towering over you, a symbol of France emerging anew, stands the iconic La France Renaissante. It’s a bronze sculpture, larger than life, depicting a warrior on horseback. The warrior is not anyone you know, but the sculptor wanted to honor Joan of Arc, the heroic figure of French history. But the Parisian authorities didn’t want a statue that embodied the war-like spirit of Joan of Arc. They felt it was a warrior too fierce, too Scandinavian in its design. The sculptor was Danish, and that played a role in this perception. To avoid a diplomatic scandal, the statue was renamed La France Renaissante, taking away its specific link to the military figure and giving it a more symbolic meaning. The statue became a monument representing the rebirth of France, after experiencing the devastation of war. It was meant to be a symbol of hope and strength. You can see all the details, the horse, the shield, the sword of the warrior.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to