Equestrian statue of La Fayette, Bronze monument on Cours la Reine, Paris, France.
The equestrian statue of La Fayette is a bronze monument positioned along Cours la Reine, depicting the general mounted on a horse with sword raised in a commanding gesture. The work sits strategically between the Seine River and the Grand Palais, displaying careful craftsmanship in both the animal and the figure's military attire.
The monument was first unveiled as a plaster model in the Louvre courtyard in 1900, funded by donations from American schoolchildren who sought to honor the Revolutionary War hero. The bronze version was relocated to its current location in 1984 following major urban renovations.
The monument marks the enduring friendship between France and the United States, honoring Lafayette's pivotal contributions to American independence. Visitors from both nations often pause here to recognize this symbol of shared democratic ideals and historical alliance.
The statue stands along Cours la Reine in the 8th arrondissement and is easily reached on foot from Place de la Concorde or the Champs-Elysees gardens. Its location beside the Seine provides clear reference points for visitors exploring the surrounding area.
Sculptor Paul Bartlett embedded a small bronze turtle near the horse's left hind hoof as a subtle reference to the extended time required to complete the work. This tiny detail, easily missed, is discovered by observant visitors who examine the base closely.
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