Before you stands the Rozier Statue a testament to a fascinating life. This isn’t just any statue. It’s the third iteration of a monument honoring Abbé François Rozier. A truly remarkable man. Born in Lyon in 1734 Rozier embodied the spirit of the Enlightenment. He was a brilliant mind drawn to the philosophies of his time. This attracted both admiration and fierce jealousy.
Though a priest Rozier lacked true religious vocation. His passions lay elsewhere. He was intensely interested in plants and agriculture. In 1761 he became a botany professor in Lyon. Later he directed studies at the veterinary school founded by Claude Bourgelat. There he created a magnificent garden. Unfortunately his success made enemies. Bourgelat dismissed him from his post.
Undeterred Rozier traveled extensively. He visited France the Netherlands even Poland where King Stanislas Augustus invited him to establish a botanical garden and professorship. He was the main author of a twelve-volume encyclopedia on agriculture. Some volumes were published posthumously.
Returning to Lyon in 1786 he became director of the city’s agricultural school. He founded the Royal Nursery at Vaise. The French Revolution ignited his enthusiasm and he became a sworn priest at Saint-Polycarpe church on the slopes of Croix-Rousse. Ironically a bomb splinter ended his life in 1793. He was in his bed at his church parsonage during the siege of Lyon.
The inscription on his statue base calls him the “French Columella”. This refers to Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella. He was a Roman agronomist known for his twelve-book treatise Res rustica. This comparison highlights Rozier’s significant contributions to agriculture. It speaks to his lasting influence centuries after his death.
The original Rozier bust sculpted by Joseph Chinard stood on this very spot. Later a plaster replica painted bronze replaced it. This statue by Etienne Pagny was displayed under a protective metal awning. But even that couldn’t prevent its deterioration. The current statue sculpted by Robert Benoist and installed in 1923 is a loan from the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts. It’s part of their “Illustrious Men” series. Recently fully restored it radiates the same brilliance as Abbé Rozier’s life.