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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The equestrian statue of Jeanne d'Arc, located in Place du Martroi in Orléans, is a bronze work by sculptor Denis Foyatier in 1855. It replaces a first statue deemed too modest by Edme-François-Étienne Gois. Founded from the bronze of nine cannons, this imposing statue shows Jeanne d'Arc, raised sword, embodying his determination and his role as liberator. It was inaugurated on May 8, 1855 at the Johannic Festival, marking a solemn tribute to the Pucelle d'Orléans.

A conflict opposed Denis Foyatier and the municipality of Orleans concerning the bas-reliefs of the pedestal, originally planned to illustrate key scenes of Jeanne d'Arc's life. These reliefs were finally entrusted to Vital Gabriel Dubray in 1859 and completed in 1861. They enrich the monument with a narrative dimension, reinforcing its commemorative character. The granite base, decorated with ten bronze reliefs, thus became a central element of the work, although these originals were replaced in 1988 by resin mouldings for conservation reasons.

During the Second World War, the statue suffered damage during the liberation of Orleans in 1944: its sword was broken and its pedestal damaged by shrapnel. A restoration campaign was conducted in 1950, supported by the city of Orleans, New Orleans (Louisiane) and the American army, which financed a new sword. These efforts enabled the monument to restore its original splendour, while stressing its transatlantic symbolic importance.

Recognized for its heritage value, the monument was inscribed in the Historic Monuments by order of November 20, 2017. This protection covers the entire statue, its base, its walk, as well as the ten original reliefs, now preserved at the Museum of Fine Arts of Orleans. The site, located on a non-cadastre public domain, embodies Orléanian collective memory and the cult given to Joan of Arc, a major figure in the history of France.

The bas-reliefs of Vital Gabriel Dubray, deposited in 1988 to preserve their integrity, illustrate significant episodes of Jeanne d'Arc's life and the liberation of Orleans. Their replacement with mouldings allowed to maintain the visual harmony of the monument while ensuring the durability of the original works. This choice reflects a modern approach to heritage conservation, combining public accessibility and protection of historic artifacts.

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