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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Battle of Formigny Memorial, located in Calvados, was created by Norman sculptor Arthur Le Duc in the early twentieth century. He celebrated the French victory of 15 April 1450, which marked the end of English pretensions in Normandy. The commune of Formigny wanted a building reminiscent of this key event, and Le Duc, specialist in 15th century liberators, proposed a model in 1900. The work was inaugurated in 1903 for the 450 years of battle.

The bronze sculpted group represents the connetable of Richemont (future duke Arthur III of Brittany) and the count of Clermont framing an allegory of victorious France, wielding a crown of laurels, a palm and a sword towards Cherbourg. The limestone pedestal, designed by Auguste Nicolas, carries a bas-relief illustrating the battle. During the occupation, his cast iron was considered but cancelled because he symbolized a victory against the English, like other statues of Le Duc (Richemont à Vannes, du Guesclin à Caen).

The monument, owned by the commune, was listed as a historical monument on 18 August 2006. He embodies the local memory of Norman reconquest and the talent of Arthur Le Duc, also a politician. Its iconography reflects the patriotic values of the time, mixing historical figures and victory symbols.

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