“They melted it down you know” whispered the old woman tending the Square Barye’s flowerbeds. The Monument à Barye stood before us majestic despite its scars. This impressive monument dedicated to the animal sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye is a Parisian treasure. It sits proudly at the tip of Île Saint-Louis offering stunning Seine River views.
Originally this spot housed a Celestine monastery. Its gardens and chapel were tragically destroyed during the French Revolution. The area was cleared in 1840. Square Barye was then created in its place. The monument itself a triangular marvel was conceived by architect Stanislas Louis Bernier. Sculptor Laurent Honoré Marqueste created the statues. He also fashioned the impressive medallion portrait of Barye that graces the pedestal.
The monument’s centerpiece was a bronze statue Theseus Fighting the Centaur Bianor. Sadly it met a tragic end. It was melted down during World War II. This was a devastating loss for Paris. However thanks to the generosity of the Chi Mei Foundation in Taiwan a perfect replica was cast. It was triumphantly reinstalled in 2011. The Lion Crushing a Serpent another bronze work adorns the base. It too was lost and recast in 2014.
The Square Barye is more than just a monument. It’s a haven of tranquility. It boasts a collection of diverse plants and trees. Weeping willows Lebanese cedars Irish yews and elms all thrive here. There are benches providing shade for quiet contemplation. A viewing platform offers panoramic Seine River views. It’s a perfect place for a picnic a quiet moment a reflective pause.
This small triangular park is a testament to resilience. It stands where a monastery once stood. It endured war and loss. Yet it remains a place of beauty a green space in the heart of Paris. A monument to art a symbol of enduring spirit. The story of the Monument à Barye is a reflection of Paris itself. It is a story of destruction and rebirth a testament to the enduring power of art. The enduring spirit of a city.