La Défense de Paris, Bronze sculpture in La Défense district, France
La Défense de Paris is a bronze sculpture in the La Défense business district that shows three figures standing together: a National Guard woman, a young soldier, and a civilian. The work stands in front of the Grande Arche and is surrounded by public gardens and modern office buildings.
The monument was created and unveiled in 1883 by sculptor Louis-Ernest Barrias to commemorate French casualties from the Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. This work marked an important moment in how the city chose to remember its recent conflict and those who suffered.
The sculpture depicts a National Guard woman, a young soldier, and a civilian standing together as one, showing how people from different walks of life came together. You can see in their poses and positioning how the artist chose to represent unity rather than hierarchy.
The sculpture can be reached through multiple pathways that wind through public gardens near the Grande Arche. The area has open spaces and seating, making it easy to view and spend time around the artwork.
The sculpture gave its name to the entire business district when the area became known as La Défense after the work was placed at the former Courbevoie roundabout. This connection between a single artwork and the identity of an entire neighborhood is quite remarkable.
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