Les grands soutiens du monde, Bronze sculpture at Musée Bartholdi, Colmar, France
Les grands soutiens du monde is a bronze sculpture showing three human figures of different ages working together to hold a globe above their heads. The work measures about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and displays the careful craftsmanship typical of late 19th-century public monuments.
Bartholdi created this work in 1902 to express his belief that different forces in society must work together. It was first shown at the Salon des Artistes Francais before being placed in the museum courtyard in 1909.
The three figures carry objects that represent their meanings: books and a gear for knowledge, a sword and shield for strength, a balance for justice. This way, Bartholdi made abstract ideas into something visitors can actually see and understand.
The sculpture stands in an open courtyard at the museum, making it visible from different angles without needing to enter the building. Walking around the piece lets you see how the three figures relate to each other and to the globe they support.
The woman in the group holds a balance, suggesting fairness and equilibrium rather than strength or conquest. This choice shows how Bartholdi assigned each figure a distinct role that goes beyond traditional gender expectations of his time.
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