Hommes illustres, Sculpture series at Louvre Palace, France
Hommes illustres is a collection of 86 stone statues positioned along the balustrades of the Napoleon Court at the Louvre. The figures overlook the open courtyard, which is framed by arcades and classical facades.
The collection was commissioned by Napoleon III and installed by architect Hector-Martin Lefuel between 1853 and 1857. This project was part of a major expansion and renovation of the Louvre during the Second Empire.
The statues represent French figures whose names are engraved on the bases, honoring their contributions to society. This stone gallery celebrates men who shaped French thought, arts, and sciences.
The statues are visible and easily accessible from within the Louvre's courtyards and galleries. Early morning or late afternoon offers better light for viewing the stone details and encountering fewer crowds.
This collection was Napoleon III's statement honoring men he considered architects of French greatness. The selection reflects 19th-century values and shows what kind of achievement the era's leaders deemed worthy of permanent stone commemoration.
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