Dragons, Bronze sculptures in Rue Ricard, Niort, France
Dragons is a collection of four large bronze sculptures located in the pedestrian area of downtown Niort. Two are positioned at the top of Rue Ricard and two along Rue du Temple, each angled differently to engage visitors from various approaches.
The sculptures were installed in 1992 and honor a local legend from 1692 about soldier Jacques Allonneau who defended the city against a winged serpent that terrorized residents.
These sculptures were created by architect Jacques Hondelatte and connect the city's past with its present identity. They form part of the urban landscape and show how the community honors its heritage through contemporary art in everyday spaces.
The sculptures sit on flat, easy-to-walk pedestrian streets that offer clear views from multiple angles. You can explore them comfortably while moving through downtown Niort without needing to take detours.
The bronze dragons cast changing shadows across the sidewalks throughout the day as sunlight shifts, making the sculptures appear different at various times. This shifting quality adds another dimension to how visitors experience the work.
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