Immortality Overtaking Time, Copper sculpture at Grand Palais, Paris, France.
Immortality Overtaking Time is a copper quadriga featuring four horses and a central figure mounted at the front facade of the Grand Palais, positioned prominently above ground level. The composition combines classical formal elements with the scale and presence of a monumental work designed to captivate viewers from the street below.
Georges Récipon created this monumental work for the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition, marking the inauguration of the newly constructed Grand Palais. It emerged during a period when France sought to express its cultural strength through major architectural and artistic projects.
The sculpture draws inspiration from ancient chariot racing traditions, with its detailed horses and figures serving as a symbol of progress and achievement. Visitors can observe how the monument has become part of Paris' public identity, overlooking one of the city's most famous avenues.
The work stands high on the facade and is best viewed from street level, where you can see it from various angles as you walk or pause. The nearby Metro station at Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau provides convenient access to the Grand Palais for visitors wishing to observe the sculpture from different positions.
The copper structure has developed a distinctive green patina over the decades, giving the work a soft, weathered appearance. This natural oxidation layer actually protects the metal underneath from further corrosion, making it a form of preservation rather than deterioration.
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