Standing majestically in Place du Carrousel near the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a lesser-known yet remarkable symbol of Napoleon’s military victories.
Designed by architects Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, it was built between 1806 and 1808 to commemorate the successful 1805 military campaign that included the famous Battle of Austerlitz.
Originally conceived as the grand entrance to the now-destroyed Tuileries Palace, the arch is a classic example of Napoleonic grandeur that survives to this day, offering a beautiful alignment with the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile down the Champs-Élysées.
An Homage to Ancient Roman Arches
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel draws direct inspiration from the Arch of Septimius Severus in Rome, reproducing the grand architectural style of ancient Rome.
It boasts pink and white Corinthian marble columns, adorned with intricate bas-reliefs that depict key moments from the 1805 campaign.
Sculptures of soldiers from different branches of Napoleon’s Grand Army stand atop each column, vividly detailed in uniform and stance, reflecting the precision of the Empire’s artisans. These figures represent a cuirassier, a dragoon, a mounted grenadier, and other military roles, capturing the diversity and strength of Napoleon’s forces.
The Iconic Quadriga and Restoration Symbolism
Crowning the arch is a quadriga, a chariot drawn by four bronze horses, originally taken from Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice by Napoleon after his Italian campaign.
Although these horses were later returned to Venice in 1815, the arch features a replica created by François Joseph Bosio in 1828. In addition to the quadriga, the design includes allegorical figures of Peace and Victory, echoing themes of restoration and resilience even as the Empire transitioned.
The Stories Told in Bas-Reliefs
The bas-reliefs embellishing the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel tell stories of Napoleon’s victories and diplomatic milestones, meticulously crafted by renowned sculptors of the Empire.
Facing the Louvre, we see “The Capitulation of Ulm” and “The Battle of Austerlitz.” Other sides depict “Napoleon’s Entrance into Munich” and “The Peace of Pressburg,” emphasizing the arch’s role as both a historical marker and an artistic masterpiece.
These reliefs, combined with river scenes and allegories on the sides, create a deeply symbolic narrative honoring Napoleon’s most important conquests.