Equestrian statue of Napoleon, Bronze monumental sculpture in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.
The equestrian statue of Napoleon in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin portrays the military leader mounted on horseback and was cast in bronze, a material favored for large monumental sculptures of the 19th century. The carefully crafted composition documents the high level of technical skill required to realize such ambitious public artworks during that era.
The monument was designed by architect Dominique Geufroy and created by sculptor Armand Le Véel before its official inauguration on August 7, 1858. Its construction occurred during a period when France was building monuments to celebrated military leaders to strengthen national identity and continuity.
The monument demonstrates how France honors important figures through public sculptures and connects the city to national memory. Such works shape the urban landscape and remind both locals and visitors daily of key periods in French history.
The sculpture stands in the center of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin near the harbor and is therefore easy to reach for visitors exploring the area. The grounds around the monument are publicly accessible, so you can view it at any time.
During renovation work in 2020, workers discovered a hidden treasure chest containing coins from the Napoleon III period inside the base of the monument. This find revealed that such time capsules were intentional rituals when erecting monuments and preserved important records for future generations.
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