Crane Operations and Reinstallation of the Grognards of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris
Our agency, Bovis Fine Art Ile de France, recently completed the crane operations and reinstallation of the renowned Grognards of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris (75).
This iconic monument underwent a comprehensive restoration during which the original sculptures were replaced with replicas.
Custom Metal Crates for Safe Transport and Handling
Our team managed the custom fabrication of metal crates specifically designed for these sculptures. These crates, a testament to the expertise of the Bovis Group, are essential for protecting the artworks during transport, hoisting, and handling phases.
Expert Crane Operations
Utilizing our 100-ton crane was crucial for the successful execution of this complex operation. Every step, from meticulous planning to precise execution, was carried out with utmost care to meet the stringent safety and heritage preservation requirements.
The reinstallation of the Grognards at the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris marks a key milestone for this legendary monument. By reinstalling these iconic sculptures, Bovis Fine Art honors this historical legacy while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Learn More About the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and Its Grognards
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris, located between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, is an iconic monument built between 1806 and 1808 to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte’s military victories. Inspired by Roman triumphal arches, it was designed by architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine. Originally, the arch was topped with the bronze horses from St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, taken by Napoleon as spoils of war, but these were returned after the fall of the Empire in 1815. They were replaced by a replica created by sculptor François Joseph Bosio, depicting the chariot of peace guided by the goddess of Victory. The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, though smaller in scale compared to the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, remains a significant testament to the Napoleonic era and neoclassical style in France.
Beyond its neoclassical architecture, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is particularly notable for its sculptures of Grognards, which adorn its facades and celebrate the bravery of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard soldiers. These Grognards, a nickname for the veteran soldiers of the Grande Armée, are depicted in a series of bas-reliefs and statues in marble and bronze. Sculpted with great attention to detail, they illustrate various battle scenes and military triumphs. The sculptors’ talent enriches the monument with striking realism, meticulously crafting each uniform, face, and weapon. These heroic representations are not just tributes to the soldiers but also symbols of the Napoleonic ideal of glory and sacrifice. The Grognards’ sculptures imbue the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel with a deeply human and historical dimension, anchoring the monument in the collective memory of the era’s military exploits.
