Do you see those figures straining against the weight of the world? This is the Souvenir Unit\u00e9 Paix Statue. It is a powerful piece of art.
This sculpture was erected in 1996. The occasion was the G7 summit in Lyon. The G7 nations include the United States, Japan and Germany. France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada were also present.
The Souvenir Unit\u00e9 Paix Statue was sculpted by Xavier de Fraissinette. He trained in Lyon at the Beaux-Arts. Fraissinette creates both jewelry and large sculptures. His work has earned him recognition. He even became a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2007.
The Souvenir Unit\u00e9 Paix Statue depicts seven figures. They appear to be lifting a globe. A father I met here once shared an interesting thought. He said it suggests that with a good lever one can lift the world.
Not everyone views the Souvenir Unit\u00e9 Paix Statue positively. Some critics argue that the sculpture only represents the seven most powerful economic nations. They say other countries are not even visible on the globe. It has even been called a sculpture of shame by some.
The artwork is in the Parc de la T\u00eate d’Or. You can find it along the All\u00e9e Achille Lignon. This path starts at the Porte des Enfants du Rh\u00f4ne.
Perhaps the best way to appreciate the Souvenir Unit\u00e9 Paix Statue is without seeking a deep meaning. Just look at its composition. It certainly stands apart from many classical sculptures in France. Is it a symbol of unity for peace and justice? Or is it a sculpture of shame? I leave you to decide.