The Vendôme Column in the French capital, Paris, was opened in August 1810. Designed as Austerlitskaya. Later called "Column of Victories". The story goes: Napoleon I Bonaparte originally intended to perpetuate his Italian victories in an unusual way. He threatened to transport a structure from Rome, symbolizing Trajan's victory over the Dacians. How did the fate of the sights of the country, where revolutions have always been a common thing?
On the site of the Palace of the Duke of Vendôme
When assessing the cost of transportation, the emperor, apparently, came to the conclusion: the game is not worth the candle - and went the other way. On January 1, 1806, a decree was issued on the start of the construction of a new memorial sign (architects J. B. Leper and J. Gonduin) 44 meters high and 3.67 meters wide at the base.
The Vendôme column has an interesting history. It is placed on the square founded where the palace of the Duke of Vendôme once stood (Cesar de Vendôme is the illegitimate son of Henry IV the Great). One ofFive Parisian spaces dedicated to Louis XIV were previously adorned with a statue of the Sun King on a dashing horse, which was destroyed in the heat of the revolutionary battles of the 18th century.
Other times have come, they have brought other symbols. Recall that the rectangular, and then the octagonal architectural ensemble of the era of classicism changed its name more than once: Place de la Conquest, Louis the Great, Peak (where Robespierre exhibited his trophies), International. Now it's Place Vendôme.
Liquidation only
During the years of the hot declaration of international unity, the revolutionary workers' government decided to put an end to the glorification of the tyrant and warmonger Napoleon. The Vendôme column (photo above) was living out its last hours. It was solemnly destroyed on May 16 (shortly before that, on May 5, it was 50 years since the death of Napoleon). The people were given to understand: the Paris Commune does not intend to return to the old society.
It took a certain political courage to take a decisive step towards demolition: a third of the country was occupied by a hostile army, the cult of Bonapartism remained powerful (especially among the peasants), the bourgeoisie considered Napoleon's wars a pledge of French power.
The artist Gustave Courbet, Commissioner for Culture, became the author of the tough decree. Initially, he proposed moving the statue to a deserted place, but he was not supported. The press approved and widely publicized the act of public overthrow. Everything went to the fact that the symbol of "brute force and false glory" comes to an end. And it came.
Should I blow everything to the ground?
Soon the revolutionary regime fell. Courbet was accused of destroying the national shrine, which was the Vendôme column. The commissioner escaped execution, but the court ordered the cultural figure to make up for the costs (pay for vandalism). Gustav fled to Switzerland. His property was seized and sold. In 1875, the monument again rushed into the sky. It is known that the painter paid the debt. Died in poverty.
Note that the destruction of monuments, reflecting the events of the past, many people regard negatively. They believe that milestones in the development of countries and continents should not be destroyed. This approach allows different generations of earthlings to more accurately compose a picture of the development of the world. They may be right.
Yes, the Vendôme Column has a dramatic history. It makes sense to study it in more detail. So, the pillar (bronze barrel) was cast from 1200 Austrian and Russian cannons captured during the battle of Austerlitz (known as the "battle of three emperors" - French Napoleon, Austrian Franz II, Russian Alexander I).
Drop your figure! The government has changed
The triumphal trunk was installed on a pedestal left over from the monument to the Sun King. The idea was based on the Roman column of Trajan. 76 bas-reliefs spiraled into the sky. Slightly protruding from the surface of the image on the plane displayed Austerlitz victories.
The inner staircase led up to the platform where the statue of Napoleon stood out. Bonaparte was depicted in the toga of the Roman emperor. His head was decorated with a laurel wreath (author sculptors -Antoine Chaudet). Four years later (1814) the allies captured Paris.
The returned Bourbons sent the image into the smelting furnace, hoisting the symbol of victory - a white flag with lilies. In the process of melting down, the bronze king Henry IV "appeared". In 1818, the statue was installed on the New Bridge.
The human race will rise
In 1830, the July Revolution arrived. The Vendôme column in Paris has once again been transformed. By order of King Louis Philippe I, Napoleon was again installed on a platform in the sky. But already without a wreath and a toga, but in a triangular hat and an officer's uniform familiar to the world (sculptor - Georges-Pierre Sure).
The next "somersault" occurred in 1863. By order of Napoleon III, the original was transferred to the territory of the complex built under Louis XIV for the stay of honored army veterans (House of the Invalids). A copy was raised to the unforgettable "top".
As they would say in Russia, the descendant of the Bonapartes seemed to look into the water. The same year 1871 came, and at the Marseillaise the bronze tyrant was given the last and decisive battle. Sawed at the base and displaced, the Place Vendôme column crashed to the ground.
The symbol of tyranny did not give in for a long time. Ropes burst, winches broke. Finally the trunk leaned over and fell. People rushed to take apart the miracle for souvenirs. The fate of the figurine of Victory is sad. She was adjacent to the statue of Napoleon I, survived the overthrow of 1814. Then she disappeared.
Joking and serious
After 4 years, the Vendôme column againreborn in its place. It stands there to this day, surrounded by bright and austere buildings. The house of the Duke of Vendôme is also preserved. Architectural monuments make the area of the French capital rich in historical events even more expressive.
Napoleon I again appears to the world in the form of a Roman emperor, as was originally intended. Some travelers joke: since the column is cast from Prussian and Russian cannons, then countries have the right to demand their share of bronze. Already seriously, tourists note that the turbulent course of revolutionary events did not overshadow the active citizenship of the French.
Each time after the overthrow of the memorial sign, the commander who died in 1821 again found himself in his “rightful place”. The Vendôme Column in Paris is like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Perhaps in Russia it would be worthwhile to apply this practice? There is no point in "irrevocably" erasing the past every time.
