The Architect
The Trafalgar Square-sized Arc de Triomphe, in Paris, France, was built in 1806 during the Napoleonic era and was conceived by French General Jean-Baptiste Lefebvre. He had been inspired by the great archways of Ancient Rome and proposed a structure that spanned the road from the Champs-Élysées to Place de l’Étoile, but it was not approved due to cost concerns. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte continued with the proposal and hired French architect Jean Chalgrin. It was Chalgrin’s job to build a monument that would commemorate Napoleon’s victories, symbolizing his power and might.
Chalgrin was a chiseler and a master craftsman in the Beaux-Arts style. He was not only an expert in classic Greek and Roman architecture, but he was particularly adept with the Neoclassic-style of proportion and geometry. He was also an innovator, utilizing such materials as cast iron, an untested substance utilized in creating the curved-walls, underscoring the boldness of creating an 80 zoned structure of 64.4 meters tall door.
The Construction
The Arc de Triomphe commenced construction in 1806 and was completed by 1836, taking 26 years to construct. This was in part due to the complexity of its structure and the difficulty of dividing the work into 80 pieces – each pillar is different, each sculpture is a different size, and each statue had to be sculpted by a different artist.
Napoleon funded the construction, but it was labor-intensive, employing 250 men in all. During its construction, some stone was salvaged and reused, such as the one bearing the names of two French wins inscribed by Napoleon himself.
The four relief panels were also crafted using limestone, basalt and marble, with the south side bearing an inscription of Napoleon’s victories; the east side showing a hostile reception at Slavic Prague in 1805; the north side with Carloz IV’s surrender of the Roman Empire in 1809; and the west side depicting peace and the spirit of concord in 1810.
The Inauguration
The official inauguration of the Arc de Triomphe took place on 28th July 1836 and was attended by dignitaries such as King Louis-Philippe, Napoléon’s step-son Louis Napoleon, and Italian King Carloz IV. The Arc was generally seen as a symbol of victory and remains a great symbol of French history and culture.
To mark its inauguration, and to honor the thousands of soldiers who died in the line of duty, a huge farewell parade and celebration was held called the ‘Victory Parade of the Invalids’ which was attended by General Jean Baptiste Lefebvre and the royal family.
The celebration was a grand affair involving over 900 cavalry, 500 infantry and 800 veterans who, led by Marshal Bessières, marched around the Arch below it. All the while, the cannons fired and the fanfare of the music and marching bands filled the air.
The Present
Today the Arc de Triomphe is still a familiar sight, timelessly standing in the midst of the buzzing streets of Paris, under the morning light and sunset glow. Every year, it is visited by millions of tourists and locals alike. While it is still a powerful symbol of French nationalism, it is also now a symbol of peace and heritage.
It is a regular feature of international motor races, led by the Grand Prix, with the victors and famous drivers gathering for a ceremonial lap around the Arc. Annually, on November 11th and July 14th, a French army official orchestrated a procession, to celebrate the victory in World War One and Bastille Day respectively, where France’s President will attend the commemoration.
The graceful Arc de Triomphe still serves to inspire, commemorate and educate future generations of all nations; tourists look up in admiration and awe at the unique structure and reminisce on the events of years past.
The Cultural Impact
Throughout its history, the Arc de Triomphe has served as a symbol of French resistance and the power of their victories. It has been featured in multiple works of art, literature and Hollywood films. Its name has even become renowned in the English language, with the phrases ‘arches of triumph’, ‘arches of glorious memory’ and ‘arches of glory’ all being used in the English language to describe other monumental structures.
In modern times, its cultural impact has widened, as it has inspired other memorials around the world, such as the memorable Arc de Triomphe in Pyongyang, North Korea, which echoes the shape and design of the Parisian monument. In the Middle East, a replica of the Arc de Triomphe stands in the ruins of the ancient city of Palmyra in Iraq. Other monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe in New York, Washington D.C., and Tokyo also take inspiration from this famous Parisian monument.
The Symbolism
Emblazoned on the Arch is the name of some of Napoleon’s greatest victories, as a testimony to his strength as a leader and military commander. These names pay homage to his success and are forever immortalized in stone. To this day, many monuments across the world bear these names.
The Arc de Triomphe stands as an honorable reminder of the glory of the past; it evokes a sense of pride in the hearts of those who visit it and for those who remember the historical context behind it. The Arc serves not only as a remembrance of past events, but of the strength of a nation, captured in the form of a timeless architectural masterpiece.
The Controversy
Since its construction, the Arc de Triomphe has been a source of tension amongst certain French-speaking communities in Europe. This has been attributed to the perceived glorification of the military legacy of Napoleon and the symbolism of the arch itself; as many opposed to its construction view the monument as a reminder of the oppressive monarchy of the time.
Over the years there have been numerous debates over the purpose and significance of the monument. Some view it as a reminder of a violent past, while others view it as a reminder of a glorious history. The French people, however, regard it as a symbol of national pride, regardless of its controversial nature.
The Criticism
The Arc de Triomphe has also been highly criticized for its lack of accessibility. It is one of the few ancient monuments in Paris that has just one access point, with no ramps or elevators to facilitate access. This has been an issue of contention for many, as it makes the monument difficult to access for people with disabilities, elderly citizens, and parents with strollers.
Critics have also lambasted the monument for its lack of maintenance, with some pointing out the deterioration of the ancient stone and marble, which has caused the monument to take on a weathered look. This has prompted some to question the commitment of local authorities to upkeep this landmark of France’s history.
The Conclusion
The Arc de Triomphe is a spectacular monument that stands as a reminder of France’s past and a symbol of its strength and power. Its construction is a testament to the visionary behind it – Jean Chalgrin – and has become an iconic feature of Paris that has been visited and admired by numerous tourists and locals. It has inspired many other monuments around the world and sparked debates about its controversial past.
To this day, however, the Arc de Triomphe stands tall, commemorating the legacy of one of the most influential figures in French history – Napoleon Bonaparte – and inspiring generations to come.
