Once lost to revolution, the Statue de métal in Place Bellecour stands again. This statue is not just metal. It’s a testament to Lyon’s resilience.
Today we will explore the story behind this impressive monument. We’ll uncover the secrets of its creation and its journey through Lyon’s history.
The original statue honored Louis XIV. Martin Desjardins created it. It was erected in 1713. Sadly it didn’t survive the French Revolution. Revolutionaries destroyed the statue.
But Lyon decided to reinstate the monument. François-Frédéric Lemot, a local sculptor, stepped up. He crafted the current equestrian statue. It was inaugurated in 1826.
Lemot’s statue became his most important work. At 18 meters high, it was the largest bronze casting of its time. The setting is exemplary. It dominates Place Bellecour.
The statue’s creation wasn’t easy. It was cast in Paris. Then 24 horses pulled it to Lyon in 12 days. Imagine that procession winding its way through France.
Louis XIV loved Place Bellecour. He chose it for his statue in 1658. The project started May 21, 1713. It demanded a central location. Trees were planted on three sides of a rectangle.
Royal architect Robert de Cotte had a vision. He wanted the statue facing north. This way it would greet people crossing the Rhône and Saône.
Legend says Lemot forgot stirrups on the statue. He supposedly committed suicide after this realization. But that is false. Louis XIV rides bareback in Roman style. There are no stirrups.
The statues on the Rhône and Saône have their own story. Guillaume and Nicolas Coustou sculpted them in 1714. They were hidden during the Revolution. They returned in 1826. The pedestal got rebuilt. Jules Hardoin-Mansard designed it. Chabry added bronze details.
Lemot also sculpted other famous works. He created the statue of Henry IV in Paris. He made the lions in Place Sathonay. His legacy lives on in multiple cities.
The Statue de métal is more than art. It’s a symbol of Lyon’s history. It represents the city’s ability to rebuild and remember. It embodies Lyon’s artistic spirit. Take a good look at this impressive sculpture. It is part of Lyon.