Statue of Louis XIV, Bronze monument in Place Saint-Sauveur, Caen, France.
This bronze figure in Place Saint-Sauveur depicts Louis XIV with outstretched arms distributing laurel crowns at approximately 3.66 meters tall. The statue stands in a classical emperor pose and anchors the public square in central Caen.
Sculptor Louis Petitot created this bronze work in 1828 to replace an earlier monument destroyed during the French Revolution in 1791. The new sculpture represented a shift toward reexamining royal history in the post-revolutionary period.
The sculpture presents Louis XIV in a Roman imperial pose, reflecting early 19th century artistic ideals about representing royal authority. Visitors can observe how the artist used classical forms and symbols to express power through this bronze figure.
The monument sits at 24 Place Saint-Sauveur in central Caen and is easily reached on foot from most downtown areas. It received official protection status in 2006 and is visible from the street at any time.
During World War II, Vichy authorities considered melting down the sculpture to obtain bronze for military production. The plan was abandoned, which is why visitors today see the original bronze work still standing in its square.
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