La Fraternité, Plaster sculpture at town hall of 10th arrondissement, France.
La Fraternité is a plaster relief sculpture in the wedding room of the 10th arrondissement town hall in Paris, showing multiple human figures positioned closely together. The work creates the impression of people coming together and supporting one another through their physical arrangement.
Jules Dalou created this work in 1883, a time when France was establishing itself under the Third Republic with new social and political directions. The sculpture emerged during a period when traditional values and modern ideals were coming into conversation.
The title speaks to fraternity and reflects values that brought French society together during a transformative period. Visitors can sense this message of solidarity in how the figures are arranged and positioned within the wedding chamber.
The sculpture is located in the wedding room of the town hall, which is easily reached by public transit near the République metro station. Visitors should check in advance when the room is open to the public, since it also serves as a space for official ceremonies.
The plaster material allowed Dalou to capture fine details in the faces and body positions of each figure, revealing his technical mastery as a sculptor. This refinement makes each person distinct and recognizable despite how tightly they are grouped together.
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