Jean-François Champollion, White marble sculpture at Collège de France, Paris, France.
The Jean-François Champollion statue is a marble sculpture in the courtyard of the Collège de France in Paris, showing the scholar in a contemplative pose. The work was executed with detailed features and references classical artistic traditions to convey the intellectual depth of its subject.
Auguste Bartholdi created this memorial in 1875, inspired by his travels to Egypt and study of its architectural heritage. The work was Bartholdi's tribute to the scholar who had unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian writing.
The statue honors Champollion as a key figure in Egyptology and stands within the courtyard of one of France's oldest learned institutions. The location draws people interested in the history of language research and ancient cultures.
The statue sits in the open courtyard of the academic building and is easily accessible on foot from the public street. Visitors should note that the courtyard may not be freely accessible during certain academic times.
The original plaster model received financial backing from the Egyptian government, highlighting the international importance of Champollion's legacy. This collaboration made it possible to transform the model into the marble work seen today.
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