The Statue at Place du Pont Neuf: A Monument to the Memory of Henri IV

At the heart of Paris, where the Pont Neuf embraces the Île de la Cité, stands the proud equestrian statue of Henri IV. More than a mere sculpture, this work embodies a slice of history, a silent witness to bygone centuries, erected to honor a king whose legacy remains indelible in the capital.

In 1604, Queen Marie de Médicis, driven by deep love and a desire for perpetuity, decided to erect a monument in honor of her husband, King Henri IV. It was a first in history: never before had an equestrian statue of a sovereign been commissioned during his lifetime. This bold initiative reflected not only the queen’s respect and admiration for Henri IV but also a determination to leave a lasting mark on the urban landscape of Paris.

Of Florentine origin, Marie de Médicis preferred to entrust this prestigious task to renowned Italian artists, Jean de Bologne and Pietro Tacca. The project took shape under their expert hands, but by the time the work was finalized and shipped to Paris in 1614, Henri IV was no more. However, the queen’s determination to see this project through did not wane, and the statue was completed by Pierre Franqueville and Francesco Bordoni, who added four captives at the corners of the pedestal, symbolizing the king’s power and justice.

The monument does not merely evoke the grandeur of the sovereign. It is also surrounded by auras of fascinating anecdotes. It is said, for instance, that during its installation, workers discovered a time capsule hidden in the pedestal, containing letters and personal objects from the era, intended to be found by future generations. This mysterious find added a touch of magic to the statue’s inauguration.

Over the years, the statue of Henri IV became a popular meeting place for Parisians. Lovers, poets, and dreamers came here seeking inspiration, lulled by the murmur of the Seine’s waters. It is even said that a young writer, then unknown, found the inspiration for his first novel while contemplating the majestic figure of the king on horseback, emerging from the morning mist.

The Pont Neuf itself, a symbol of modernity and architectural renewal, formed the perfect setting for this monument. The first bridge in Paris to be free of houses, it offered an unobstructed view of the Seine’s banks and the surrounding monuments, allowing the statue to harmoniously integrate into the urban landscape. The creation of Place Dauphine, adjacent to the bridge, added an extra touch of refinement, reinforcing the majestic character of the ensemble.

Despite the vicissitudes of time and wars, the statue of Henri IV survived the centuries without losing its splendor. During the French Revolution, it was destroyed, but its memory remained so vivid in the hearts of Parisians that it was rebuilt in 1818, faithful to the original, thanks to the tenacity of the descendants of those who had erected it.

The statue of Henri IV at Pont Neuf is much more than a mere tribute to a king. It is a reflection of an era, the testimony of undying love, and a symbol of Parisian resilience. Through it, an entire history is told, where every stone, every sculpted detail, whispers the echoes of a glorious past.