Avenue Guy Môquet

Buffon. A name synonymous with natural history, a man who dared to challenge the established views of his time. Right before you stands the Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon Statue, a bronze tribute to the great naturalist. Originally intended for the Hôtel de Ville de Paris, it found its home here in the Jardin des Plantes at the beginning of the 20th century. This monument, sculpted by Jean Carlus in 1883, depicts Buffon seated, lost in contemplation, perhaps pondering the mysteries of the natural world. He was a man of immense curiosity, a tireless worker who dedicated his life to unraveling the secrets of nature. Buffon, not content with merely describing animals, delved into their anatomy, their behaviors, their relationship to their environment. His magnum opus, “Histoire Naturelle”, a staggering 36 volumes published over decades, is a testament to his dedication. It wasn’t just a scientific work, but a literary success, capturing the imagination of the public and spreading a love for the natural world. In his writings, Buffon dared to challenge the biblical timeline, suggesting the Earth was far older than the accepted 6,000 years. He also hinted at the concept of evolution, observing the similarities between different species, particularly man and ape, long before Darwin. Buffon, the “Pline de Montbard”, was a complex and controversial figure, a man of science, a wordsmith, and a force of nature himself. As you gaze upon his statue, imagine this pioneer of natural history, walking these very grounds, scrutinizing the wonders around him, forever changing our understanding of the world. He leaves behind a legacy, a monument in bronze, and a wealth of knowledge that continues to inspire us to this day.