Equestrian statue of Bertrand du Guesclin, Bronze equestrian monument in Place Saint-Martin, Caen, France.
The equestrian monument in Place Saint-Martin depicts a military leader mounted on a horse, dressed in 14th-century armor with a helmet and metal protection plates. The bronze work captures intricate details of the knight's equipment and conveys the power of the horse beneath the rider.
The bronze work was created by artist Arthur Le Duc in 1912 and was originally displayed at a major Paris arts exhibition. The artist's widow donated the sculpture to the city in 1920, where it has since remained a prominent fixture in Caen's public spaces.
The monument honors a military commander whose actions shaped Normandy's fate during a pivotal era of French history. Visitors passing through the square can sense how local identity remains tied to this historical figure.
The monument sits at the end of Fossés Saint-Julien street and is easily accessible on foot. The open plaza allows visitors to view the bronze sculpture from multiple angles and appreciate the craftsmanship of both the rider and horse.
The sculpture narrowly escaped destruction during World War II when authorities considered removing it. Its survival reflects the enduring respect for the historical figure it represents within the city.
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