Here, in the heart of Neuilly-sur-Seine, stands the Statue équestre du duc d’Orléans. This imposing bronze monument honors Ferdinand-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, the eldest son of King Louis-Philippe I. His life ended tragically in 1842, but his memory endures through this sculpture, which served as a symbol of his legacy in the conquest of Algeria.
The Duke, a courageous soldier, led French forces in a campaign against Algeria. The statue’s two bas-reliefs depict pivotal moments of his military career: the capture of the citadel of Antwerp in 1832, and the passage of the Mouzaïa Pass in 1840. However, the statue’s journey mirrors Algeria’s own historical path. Following Algeria’s independence in 1963, the statue, the embodiment of colonial conquest, was removed from its prominent spot in Algiers and returned to France to reside in the Château de Vincennes.
Years passed, and the statue remained forgotten until, in 1974, the mayor of Neuilly, Achille Peretti, decided to give it a new home. The statue was then moved to the roundabout named after the Duke, a poignant tribute to history and a silent witness to the evolution of power dynamics. Now, stand before the statue and imagine its journey, the shifting perspectives, and the complex stories it silently carries. The Statue équestre du duc d’Orléans, a testament to a bygone era, continues to spark curiosity and dialogue, inviting us to reflect on France’s colonial past and its impact on both countries.