Feb 14
What famous sculpture in Paris unites 'Marianne' and the national anthem of France?
At the base of the iconic Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris stands 'Le Départ des Volontaires de 1792,' more widely known as 'La Marseillaise,' a dramatic sculpture by François Rude. This masterpiece unites the personification of 'Marianne'—the spirit of the French Republic—with the fervor of France's national anthem, commemorating the volunteers who rallied to defend France during the Revolution. Created between 1833 and 1836, the high-relief shows Marianne as a winged warrior, embodying Liberty and urging her compatriots into battle. The sculpture’s dynamic energy and symbolism make it a unique testament to France’s enduring quest for liberty, still celebrated today on anniversaries like February 14, the day La Marseillaise became the official anthem in 1879.
