On a crisp Montreal morning, the sun glints off the bronze figure of Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. This imposing statue, the Monument à Maisonneuve, dominates Place d’Armes in Old Montreal. It’s a tribute to the very man who founded this vibrant city. The monument, unveiled on July 1, 1895, marked the 250th anniversary of Montreal’s founding. Sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert crafted this masterpiece, capturing Maisonneuve in a heroic pose. He holds a flag aloft in his right hand, a symbol of his claim to this land. His left hand grips a sword, a reminder of the challenges he faced.
The Monument à Maisonneuve is more than just a statue. It’s a history lesson in bronze and stone. The base features four allegorical figures, each representing a key player in Montreal’s early days. Charles Le Moyne, the military leader, stands with his sickle. Lambert Closse, interim governor, holds his rifle, his faithful dog Pilote by his side. Jeanne Mance, the founder of Hôtel-Dieu hospital, tends to a child, her compassion evident. And finally, there’s Onahotaha, the Huron, representing the First Nations people who were already here.
Between these figures, four bas-reliefs depict pivotal moments in Montreal’s history. One shows the signing of the act that established Ville-Marie, Montreal’s original name. Another captures the first mass celebrated in 1642 by Jesuit priest Barthélémy Vimont. A third depicts the heroic death of Dollard des Ormeaux at the Battle of Long Sault in 1660. The final bas-relief portrays Maisonneuve’s confrontation with an Indigenous military leader. Look closely at the pedestal itself, and you’ll find inscriptions. These are words spoken by Maisonneuve to M. de Montmagny, and words from the first mass delivered by Father Vimont. The monument even serves as a fountain, with water flowing from four mascarons at the base. It’s a constant reminder of the lifeblood that flowed into this new city. The Monument à Maisonneuve isn’t just a static piece of art. It’s a vibrant, dynamic tribute to a visionary and the city he built.