General Information
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris and is located in the center of the city at the Place Charles de Gaulle, originally the Place de l’Etoile. The grand historical monument was built by Napoleon to honor his victorious troops, and was completed in 1836 after almost 30 years of construction. The monument stands 50 meters in height and its design is based on a ceremonial arch and is flanked by four winged horses, known as horses of Marly, on the main facade.
The Arc de Triomphe is made of a mixture of limestone and stone, and the relief sculptures that adorn the arch and its supporting pillars are designed by Jean-Pierre Cortot, and depict scenes from the Napoleonic Wars. The insides of the arch are filled with plaques and tombs of soldiers that have died in battle over the years, as well as some of Napoleon’s personal possessions. This is a result of the tradition that started in 1829 where people passing below the arch would pay their respects to the fallen a tradition that continues to this day.
Technical Specifications
The grand arch is made of solid Limestone and has a width of 49.54 meters, length of 45.10 meters, and height of 50.3 meters. Moreover, it is 36 meters high from its foundation and the winged horses on either side add another 21.34 meters of height, adding an additional 23.35 meters for when viewed from ground level including the two rows of Doric columns. The memorial plaques inside the arch, which provide the names of officers and soldiers who were killed in battle, including the names of Napoleon’s soldiers, contain 558 names.
History
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 as a tribute to his armies and their victories. The monument was to be a representation of Grandeur, Power, and Authority and was intended to be the capstone of a new era. It was designed by Jean-Francois Chalgrin and the actual construction of the monument began in 1806 in the Place de l’Étoile, and was not completed until 1836, four years after the death of Napoleon.
The Arc de Triomphe is a cultural and political symbol of the French Revolution and has seen many changes throughout its history. It was used as a memorial for French war veterans, a staging ground for political rallies, and has served as a backdrop for various films, television shows, and documentaries. The illuminated façade of the arch is particularly stunning at night as it is bathed in the light of spotlights from the surrounding hotels and buildings.
Significance
The Arc de Triomphe is a grand symbol of French history and identity, and serves as the focal point of a larger memorial complex in which visitors can learn about military triumphs and defeats. This monument continues to be the focus of war remembrance ceremonies, parades, and Fourth of July celebrations. It also serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering views of the city against the skyline in its entirety.
The Arc de Triomphe is also a significant symbol of Political Unity, as it stands to represent the history of French democracy and the spread of French culture and values across the world. It is a symbol of French pride and of unity in the face of adversity, and is a popular destination for tourists, politicians, and locals alike.
Experts perspectives
According to professor Luc Gaudin at the University of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe can be seen as both a political and cultural symbol, standing for the oppressed, as well as a symbol of solidarity. “It’s a reminder of the darkest episodes of France’s history, and also an opportunity to stoke the fires of French pride and national unity, to look forward to a new era”.
Cedric Martin, Historian and author of ‘The Arc de Triomphe, the Legacy of Napoleon’s Inspiration’, states that the various sculptures on the arch are linked with the ideals of the French Revolution, and embody the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity that it sought to establish. Martin emphasizes the importance of the arc not just as a tribute to Napoleon, but as a representation of the country’s ideals, “The Arc is as much a tribute to France and her people, a reminder of her history, her values, and the meaning behind her revolutionary motto: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.”
My Analysis
As an iconic monument, the Arc de Triomphe is a reminder of the French Revolution and the ideals of Liberty and Equality that come with it. Built to honor the soldiers and their victories, the arch serves as a physical reminder of French culture and history, and a representation of French political unity. It is also a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a breathtaking view of the city.
The Arc de Triomphe is not only a symbol of French revolution and the ideologies of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, but is also a reminder of France’s darker moments in history, when their citizens suffered from oppression. By remembering these moments, the French can stoke the fire of national unity and pride while looking forward to a brighter future.
Conservation
The Arc de Triomphe has endured numerous threats over the years and is currently being preserved to ensure that it survives future generations. It has been recently repainted and the relief sculptures have been reconditioned, and there are plans to rebuild some of the aging bronze sculptures around the arch. Moreover, the arches are being monitored for signs of structural damage due to seismic activity.
The French government has also taken steps to ensure that the monument is safely illuminated at night while reducing light pollution. Currently all brightly lit areas on the arch are gradually dimmed at the end of each night and the surrounding areas are completely darkened to reduce the spread of artificial light and preserve the architecture of the monument.
Relevance Today
Today, the Arc de Triomphe is still an important part of French culture and a major tourist attraction. The monument continues to be a popular spot for political rallies, war remembrance ceremonies, and Fourth of July celebrations. People who visit the arch are drawn to its beauty and grandeur, but they are also reminded of the strength of the French people and the values of liberty, equality and fraternity.
The Arc de Triomphe also continues to be a reminder of the country’s darker moments, when their citizens were oppressed by the monarchy and its oppressive laws. While the arch stands as an inspiration of hope for the future, it also reminds us to never forget our past and the suffering of our ancestors.
Monetary Worth
The Arc de Triomphe is not just a symbol of French culture and history, but also a valuable asset. As a result, it has been estimated that the arch is worth approximately 80 million euros, including the restoration and repair costs. When the restoration project is finished, the Arc de Triomphe is expected to be worth more than the estimated amount.
The arch is also a valuable commodity in terms of its advertising potential, with companies paying hefty fees to use it in promotional campaigns, television shows, and movies. This has added to the arch’s monetary value and will help to preserve it for future generations.
Interaction with Community
The Arc de Triomphe has a strong connection to the local community, with a variety of events held at the location each year. These events include celebrations of national holidays, military marches, and fireworks displays. Every year the arch is also the site of the “Grand Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe”, a car race held in support of various charities and charity organizations.
Apart from these events, the Arc de Triomphe serves as a popular tourist destination and has a great educational value. Guided tours are provided by the local community, aimed at educating visitors on the history of the monument and its cultural relevance. Visitors who come to the arch can learn about its many facets, from the relief sculptures to its past as a memorial to France’s soldiers and dead citizens.
