Frédéric Le Play, Bronze sculpture in Jardin du Luxembourg, France.
The Frédéric Le Play sculpture is a bronze statue mounted on a marble pedestal in the southern section of the Jardin du Luxembourg, showing the French researcher and his contributions. The work features inscriptions on the base that identify his roles and professional accomplishments.
The bronze statue was created in 1906 by sculptor André-Joseph Allar to honor a researcher whose methods shaped the social sciences. It experienced turbulent times during the mid-20th century when it was temporarily removed from the garden for several years.
This monument honors someone who spent his career observing how ordinary people actually lived and worked, rather than just theorizing about society. Visitors notice it represents a practical approach to understanding human life that was uncommon for intellectuals of that era.
The monument sits in the southern section of the garden and is easily reached via paved pathways. The flat terrain makes it accessible for visitors exploring the park freely without difficulty.
The pedestal bears an inscription referencing a major research expedition during which working families across several European countries were studied firsthand. This detail reveals how this researcher believed in going directly to the source rather than relying on secondhand accounts.
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