Is that sun-kissed marble figure catching your eye? That is the Apollon Statue. The Apollon Statue has a tale as turbulent as the Mediterranean Sea.
Let’s delve into the story of the Apollon Statue, a prominent feature of the Fontaine du Soleil. The Sun Fountain is located in Place Massena. The statue’s journey from admiration to banishment and eventual reinstatement is quite a story.
The Apollon Statue was created by French sculptor Alfred Janniot in 1956. This 23-foot-tall stone figure was not alone. It was accompanied by five bronze statues. These statues represented Earth, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn.
Upon its unveiling, the Apollon Statue caused quite a stir among the locals. There were two main issues. Firstly, the statue had four horses on its head. This was meant to symbolize Apollo’s mythological task. He carries the sun across the sky in a chariot. However, people thought it resembled an advertisement. The Renault 4CV, nicknamed “the four horsepower statue,” was a popular car at the time.
Secondly, the Apollon Statue was completely nude. Some viewers considered it too well-endowed. Despite Janniot’s attempts to reduce its size with a chisel, controversy persisted.
The Apollon Statue was deemed obscene. It was removed in the 1970s. The statue was moved to a new location behind the Charles Erhmann Stadium.
For years, the Apollon Statue remained in relative obscurity. Meanwhile, the remaining bronze statues were stored at a water purification plant. The fountain was dismantled. It was replaced with a grass-covered mound and palm trees.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 2007, a local reporter rediscovered the forgotten monuments. He wrote about them in the Nice-Matin newspaper. This sparked public interest in restoring the fountain.
In 2011, the Apollon Statue finally returned to its rightful place. It was reinstated in the center of the Fontaine du Soleil. Today, the Apollon Statue stands proudly at the edge of Place Massena. It is surrounded by the five bronze figures.
The Apollon Statue may have been modified. But the artist’s intent remains. The Sun Fountain is complete once more. The Apollon Statue continues to be a prominent landmark in Nice. It has overcome controversy and banishment. It stands as a testament to art, mythology, and public opinion.
So, take a moment to appreciate the Apollon Statue. Consider its tumultuous past. The Apollon Statue has been mocked and vandalized. It has survived censorship and exile. It is a symbol of Nice’s vibrant history.