Jean Vauquelin, Bronze sculpture in Vauquelin Square, Montreal, Canada
Jean Vauquelin is a sculpture by Eugène Bénet, installed in 1930 in Vauquelin Square, Montreal. It shows the naval officer standing on the deck of the frigate Atalante in front of the mast, having nailed his colours to it during the Battle of Pointe-aux-Trembles on 16 May 1760.
The monument was created in 1930 by sculptor Eugene Benet to honor a naval officer from the 18th century. It marks his life and military role during French-British conflicts in North America.
The statue stands between the Old Courthouse and City Hall, looking toward Nelson's Column across the square. It represents French naval heritage and its lasting presence in the city.
The statue stands in Vauquelin Square in Old Montreal, near the Old Courthouse and City Hall, and can be viewed at any time from the public square. Look for the figure of Vauquelin on the frigate's deck, his colours nailed to the mast, facing toward Nelson's Column across the square.
The statue freezes a moment from 16 May 1760: Vauquelin nailed the colours of the frigate Atalante to its mast and fought for two hours until his ammunition ran out, then surrendered. Sculptor Eugène Bénet shows him on deck before the mast, arms flung back.
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