L'Âme de la France, War memorial in Salazie, France.
L'Âme de la France is a bronze war memorial in Salazie depicting a female figure with raised arms, holding flowers in one hand and a shield in the other. The artwork stands in an open space where visitors can view its details from various angles.
The memorial was created in 1921 by sculptor Carlo Sarrabezolles to honor French soldiers who died in World War I, with particular reference to aviator Roland Garros. After suffering various damages over time, it was later restored and designated as a national monument in 2004.
The statue is viewed locally as a symbol of female strength and national identity, making it a meaningful place for reflection. The depiction of a woman gazing upward continues to resonate with visitors as powerfully today as it did when first created.
The memorial is located at an easily accessible spot in Salazie where visitors can stop by anytime to read the inscriptions and reflect. It is well visible from the main road, so even passing travelers can discover it.
The memorial sparked controversy due to its depiction of nudity and was even dynamited by a local priest, making it an unexpected symbol of artistic resistance. This turbulent history has shaped local identity and makes the work today more than just a war memorial.
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