Seven thousand six hundred and twenty tons of diabas. That’s the weight of the Le Lion de Bauvin statue. It’s right here before us a magnificent beast carved from stone.
The Le Lion de Bauvin is more than just a statue. It’s a story. A story of war and remembrance. It was created in 1938 by the German artist Schmoll. Commissioned by veterans to honor 3000 Bavarian soldiers who died in Romania during the First World War.
Imagine the lion’s journey. Completed just as World War II began. It was stored in Munich. Then in 1965 the government decided to send it to a German cemetery in Carvin. But a rail transport problem changed its fate. In 1971 it found its permanent home in Bauvin. A tribute not to Bavarian soldiers but to the town’s Resistance fighters.
The Le Lion de Bauvin stands as a symbol of resilience and remembrance. Its imposing size speaks volumes. It’s 1.5 meters high 1.45 meters wide and 2.60 meters long. A powerful presence in the landscape. A silent guardian watching over the town.
This remarkable sculpture is more than just a monument to the past. It represents adaptation and the power of commemoration. It has a surprising history. Its journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of time and events. The Le Lion de Bauvin has found its final resting place a symbol of peace and remembrance in a town that has seen its share of both war and peace. Let’s move on now.