L'Ouragan

L'Ouragan is a bronze statue by sculptor Edmond Desca that depicts a male figure blowing forcefully into a horn while placing one foot on an uprooted branch. The work stands in the Jardin Massey in Tarbes and reaches a height of about 3 meters.

The sculptor first created a plaster version of the work, which received a travel grant award at the 1883 Salon des Artistes Francais exhibition. This recognition eventually led to the bronze casting that now stands in the Jardin Massey.

The title references a storm, and the dynamic portrayal of a human figure reflects the romantic artistic ideals of the 19th century. Visitors can observe how artists of that era captured natural forces and human energy in bronze form.

The sculpture is located in the Jardin Massey and remains accessible to visitors year-round without requiring separate admission fees. The garden provides ample space to view and photograph the statue from various angles and distances.

The statue faced criticism from local schools over its nudity, leading to an unusual attempt by the museum curator to cover it with pants. This incident reveals how artworks can sometimes provoke unexpected reactions in their communities.

Location: Tarbes

Inception: 1880

Creator: Edmond Desca

Height: 300 cm

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 43.23841,0.07542

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:26