The statue Charlemagne et ses Leudes (“Charlemagne and His Guards”) is a prominent bronze monument located on the south side of the Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul II, directly in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Created by French sculptor brothers Louis and Charles Rochet, it was cast by the Fonderie Thiébaut Frères and installed in 1882.
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The Rochet brothers conceived the idea for the statue in 1853, initially intending it for Aachen. A plaster version was presented at the Universal Exposition of 1867, and the completed bronze group was exhibited at the Universal Exposition of 1878.
Due to political sensitivities surrounding Charlemagne’s associations, the statue’s placement in Paris faced controversy. Eventually, Charles Rochet offered to cover the cost of erecting the 15-ton sculpture, leading to its provisional installation on the Parvis Notre-Dame in 1882. The City of Paris acquired ownership in 1895, and the current stone pedestal was constructed in 1908.
Artistic Description
The statue depicts Charlemagne as an aged emperor, wearing the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire and holding the Scepter of Charles V. He is flanked by his legendary paladins, Roland and Oliver.
Roland carries his olifant, a double-headed axe known as a francisca, and the sword Durendal.
Oliver is armed with a scramasax and a pike.
The portrayal is intentionally anachronistic, combining elements from different periods to emphasize its allegorical nature.
Symbolism and Political Context
The statue serves as a political statement, aligning Charlemagne’s legacy with French national identity and Napoleon III’s Second Empire. By depicting Charlemagne with French symbols of power, the Rochet brothers aimed to assert France’s claim over his heritage, countering German and Belgian associations.
The inclusion of Roland and Oliver further anchors Charlemagne in French tradition.
Preservation and Legacy
Unlike many bronze statues that were melted down during World War II, Charlemagne et ses Leudes was preserved, partly due to Charlemagne’s significance in German history.
In 1973, proposals to relocate the statue to Metz or replace it with the Pillar of the Boatmen were considered but not implemented.
Today, the statue remains a notable feature of the Parvis Notre-Dame, contributing to the historical and cultural landscape of Paris.
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