Behold the magnificent Centaur of Cesar. This isn’t just any statue. It’s a powerful statement on the intersection of man machine and nature.
Located at the crossroads of Rue de Sèvres and Rue du Cherche-Midi the Centaur of Cesar stands proudly. It was created between 1983 and 1985. The sculpture is a striking figure half man half horse. Cesar a renowned French sculptor is most famous for creating the trophy awarded annually to the best French films.
Cesar’s passion for horses is evident. Yet the Centaur also speaks to the 20th century’s shift away from the animal world. Cars and machines replaced horses. The Centaur’s fading skin revealing metal plates and gears perfectly embodies this transition. The sculptor cleverly uses this to suggest that such a replacement threatens humanity. The metal’s prominence in the human portion of the Centaur emphasizes this mechanical feel.
But there’s more to this than meets the eye. This sculpture pays tribute to Picasso who died a decade before the Centaur’s creation. The Centaur’s face is a self-portrait of Cesar himself. A Picasso mask facing the sky is connected to it by rods. The Spanish artist’s love for the Minotaur myth an inverse image of the Centaur is cleverly integrated into the design.
Subtle symbols abound. A dove rests in the Centaur’s hand. Laurels adorn its head. Even a miniature Statue of Liberty is hidden within its armor. These all reference Picasso’s ideals. The significance of this sculpture to Cesar is undeniable. Another centaur even graces his tomb in the Montparnasse Cemetery. So next time you pass by don’t just see a statue. See a story a conversation between past present and future. A lasting testament to art and human ingenuity.