Did you know the Statue de Rouget de Lisle commemorates a songwriter? He is known for writing France’s national anthem, “La Marseillaise.”
The Statue de Rouget de Lisle stands as a tribute to Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle. He composed the music and lyrics to “Chant de guerre pour l’armée du Rhin” in 1792. This translates to “War Song for the Rhine Army.”
Later, the song was adopted as a French Revolutionary anthem. Its name changed to “La Marseillaise”. This happened after volunteers from Marseille sang it marching to Paris.
In 1795, “La Marseillaise” became the Official French National Anthem. This was the only song of significance he composed.
Born Claude Joseph Rouget, he later added “de Lisle.” He used his grandfather’s surname to advance in school at École du Génie in Paris. Rouget de Lisle learned to play the violin early. After six years, he joined the army as a lieutenant. He served in the French Army of the Rhine. Later, he was discharged.
He wrote memoirs for Strasbourg’s executed mayor. This led to his arrest during the Reign of Terror. He was imprisoned until Maximilien Robespierre’s death in 1794. Rouget de Lisle rejoined the army. However, he left again to write poetry.
In 1825, he published “50 Chants français.” A plaque marks his birthplace. A statue was erected in the town center in 1882. His ashes were reinterred in Les Invalides. Yet, a cenotaph remains at his original burial site. In 1831, he received the Legion of Honour. He also received a pension because he was nearly penniless.
The Emulation Society of the Jura started a campaign after Rouget de Lisle’s death in 1836. They wanted a monument honoring him. The political climate was unfavorable. The July Monarchy government had banned “La Marseillaise.”
Léopold Chambard, a Jura native, wanted to create a monument. He was a former pupil of Ingres and David d’Angers. The failed campaign delayed the monument’s presentation. In 1852, Napoleon III banned “La Marseillaise” again. In 1872, Chambard’s monument project was rejected. It was inspired by Pils’ painting.
In 1879, “La Marseillaise” became France’s national anthem. On July 5, 1879, Lons-le-Saunier approved a monument. Victor Hugo chaired a special committee in 1880. Like the Choisy-le-Roi monument, a national campaign raised funds.
Auguste Bartholdi was expected to create the statue. On April 24, 1881, he expressed his enthusiasm. Bartholdi knew David d’Angers’ medallion and Pils’ painting. In 1881, he presented a preliminary sketch. He continued with few changes until the bronze statue was finished. The total cost was about 25,000 francs.
Rouget de Lisle’s ashes were moved to Les Invalides on July 14, 1915, during World War I.
The Rue Rouget-de-L’Isle in Paris was named in his memory in 1879.
The Statue de Rouget de Lisle stands as a lasting symbol. It represents his contribution to French culture. His song continues to inspire generations.