Gazing up at the Statua del generale Mac Mahon, it’s easy to feel a sense of history washing over you. This towering bronze figure, standing proud on its stone pedestal, commemorates a pivotal moment in Magenta’s history, a moment that forever linked the fate of this little town with a French general.
The Statua del generale Mac Mahon was erected in 1895, a tribute to the French Marshal, Patrice de Mac Mahon, Duke of Magenta. He was a key figure in the Battle of Magenta – a fierce clash that took place in 1859, where Franco-Sardinian forces triumphed over the Austrians. This victory not only secured the defeat of the Austrians but also played a significant role in the unification of Italy.
But the story of this monument goes beyond a simple commemoration of a battle. It reflects the complex web of political events that played out in its wake. The statue stands as a token of gratitude from the Italians, a symbol of the deep connection forged between France and Italy in their shared pursuit of liberty and independence.
The inauguration of the monument was an event of grandeur and diplomacy. It was an occasion that brought together the leaders of Italy and France, Vittorio Emanuele III of Savoy and Emile Loubet. To mark this momentous occasion, a commemorative medal was struck, bearing the images of these two powerful figures.
The statue itself, standing three metres tall, is a work of art by the Cremonese sculptor Luigi Secchi. It captures the essence of Mac Mahon, a commanding figure clad in military attire. His posture is one of quiet determination, his gaze fixed upon the distant horizon.
Look closely at the pedestal, and you’ll see that it was designed by the renowned architect Luca Beltrami. This pedestal, crafted from the stone of Rezzato, stands three and a half metres high. Its three sides bear inscriptions, marking the birth and death dates of the general, and the dates and locations of important events related to the Battle of Magenta.
Taking a step back from the Statua del generale Mac Mahon, allow yourself to be swept away by the grandeur of the monumental viale. This majestic boulevard, leading to the ossuary of the fallen soldiers, represents the enduring bond between France and Italy.