Here stands Alphonse de Lamartine Statue. This monument commemorates a man of words and action. He was a poet, a politician, and a key figure in French Romanticism.
The story of this statue is intertwined with France’s tumultuous 20th century. The original bronze bust of Alphonse de Lamartine stood here since 1891. However, in 1942, under the Vichy regime, it was sent to be melted down. The metal was needed for the German war effort.
But, the story does not end there. As compensation, the Vichy government pledged to finance a new monument. It would be made of stone to replace the sacrificed bronze. In 1943, the commission went to sculptor Albert Bouquillon. He was a Grand Prix de Rome winner in 1934.
Perhaps Bouquillon did not realize it was just a bust that needed replacing. The city of Marseille had to destroy the existing base. It was vacant but unsuitable for a full statue. The city bore the cost of the new pedestal. Finally, in 1946, the statue of Alphonse de Lamartine was erected.
Now, look closely at the statue’s base. You can read a quote from Lamartine’s “Marseillaise de la Paix.” It is a response to M. Becker, author of “The German Rhine”.
The inscription speaks of tearing down flags. It urges fraternity. It declares that selfishness and hate are the only things with a homeland. Fraternity has none. These words echo Lamartine’s political ideals. He was instrumental in the 1848 Revolution. He proclaimed the Second Republic.
Alphonse de Lamartine was born in Mâcon in 1790. He died in Paris in 1869. He experienced love and loss. His passionate affair with Julie Charles ended tragically with her death. He wrote poems in “Méditations” after Julie’s death. The collection brought him instant fame.
He married Marianne-Elisa Birch. He served as a secretary in Italy. He was elected to the French Academy in 1829. His travels in the East were marked by the death of his daughter Julia.
He served as a deputy. He moved from royalism to republicanism. He played a key role in the 1848 Revolution. For three months, he led the provisional government. After a crushing defeat in the presidential election, he retired from politics.
Burdened by debt, Alphonse de Lamartine sold his estate in 1860. He wrote to earn a living. His lyrical poetry captured themes of nature, death, and love. He was admired by Victor Hugo and others. Some later critics judged him harshly.
Yet, Alphonse de Lamartine remains one of France’s greatest poets. His statue here serves as a reminder. It reminds us of his contributions to literature and politics. It reminds us of his passion for fraternity and peace. The Alphonse de Lamartine Statue stands as a testament to a life lived fully. It was a life dedicated to both art and action.