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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The monument to the dead of Libourne, located in the Jardin du Poilu, was inaugurated in 1926 to honour the victims of the First World War. Directed by the sculptor Henri-Jean Moreau, it consists of a stone base evoking a cenotaph, surmounted by a bronze frieze representing a military parade. This base supports a bronze sculpted group featuring a winged Victoire running a wounded soldier, supported by a female allegory from France or the Republic.

The work, classified as a Historical Monument since 2014, illustrates the 1920s memorial art, mixing patriotic symbolism and emotion. The choice of a winged Victory and a female figure embodying the nation reflects the values of sacrifice and resilience dear to the post-war period. The location of the monument in a central public space, such as the Jardin du Poilu, underscores its role as a collective place of memory for the city of Libourne.

The monument, owned by the commune, is characterized by its sober and solemn style, typical of Moreau's achievements. The bas-reliefs and the sculptural composition aim to perpetuate the memory of the fighting while celebrating the peace found. Its inclusion in the Inventory of Historic Monuments in 2014 confirms its heritage and artistic importance in the girondin memorial landscape.

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