The Triumph of the Republic is an extremely large bronze statue group designed by Aimé Jules Dalou, that took many years to complete and still stands within the centre of the Place de la Nation square, where it was inaugurated in 1899.
The Origins of a Grand Design
It was back in the 1870s that a competition was first launched by the City of Paris to produce a monument to commemorate the French Republic, which would be placed within the Place de la République square.
Numerous entries were submitted by different artists, and eventually, this competition was won by the artists Léopold Maurice and his brother François-Charles Maurice, with the final design being put in place within that square in 1883.
However, the judges were also exceedingly impressed with the design of the runner-up, an innovative project by the artist and sculptor Aimé Jules Dalou. Thus, the jury decided that Dalou could produce this monumental statue group for another square in Paris called the Place de la Nation.
After ten years, this enormous statue was not yet complete; therefore, a painted plaster model was placed within the square in 1889 for the ceremonies that took place for the centenary of the French Revolution. You can still view a model of the statue at the Petit Palais today.
It took another ten years before the monumental statue was positioned within the Place de la Nation, named Le Triomphe de la République. This was inaugurated in November 1899 in the presence of the French President Émile Loubet.
Artistic Details and Symbolism
Le Triomphe de la République monumental statue group by Jules Dalou weighs a colossal 35 tons and features many different allegorical statues, each with its own meaning.
In 1908, bronze crocodiles, or alligators, were added within a basin designed to represent the enemies of the Republic, spitting water from their mouths. These were sculpted by the animal sculptor Georges Gardet.
Unfortunately, these particular elements were melted down during World War II when Paris was under Nazi occupation, but thankfully, the main monument remained and can still be seen today in all its glory, although the basin has also been filled in.
Iconography of the Republic
The chariot being pulled by two lions symbolizes popular force, led by the Spirit of Liberty (La Génie de la Liberté) statue, lighting the way with a torch. From the chariot rises a celestial globe, and atop the globe is an allegorical statue representing the Republic, sometimes referred to as Marianne. Supported by a beam that represents the French Republic, the chariot and globe symbolize universal suffrage.
Two main statues flank the central part of the bronze statue group. The first, representing Labour, depicts a blacksmith holding a hammer, while the other, symbolizing Justice, features a woman holding a cloak and the arm of justice.
Two bronze statues of children further enrich the composition. The child nearest the blacksmith holds a book, symbolizing instruction and education, while the other, positioned on the opposite side, represents equity with balance and wealth.
On the back of the Triumph of the Republic statue, there is an additional allegorical figure of a woman representing La Paix (Peace), sometimes also referred to as Abundance, who is depicted spreading flowers behind the chariot.
Visiting The Triumph of the Republic
The Triumph of the Republic stands proudly in the centre of Place de la Nation, an open square that bridges the 11th and 12th Arrondissements. Visitors can admire the monument from various vantage points, as the square is a busy intersection of multiple roads.