Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The fountain of the Elephants, historically called the column of Boigne, was erected between 1835 and 1838 in Chambéry, in homage to General Count of Boigne, who died in 1830. This 17.65-metre monument, designed by the Grenoblais sculptor Pierre-Victor Sappey, combines an octagonal fountain, four cast-iron elephants supporting battle towers, and a column surmounted by a bronze statue of the general. The elephants, gathered by the rump, symbolize the count's military exploits in India, while the column, decorated with Persian and Moghol trophies, evokes his campaigns.

The project, selected from 17 proposals in 1834 for its originality and moderate cost (£50,000), was inaugurated on 10 December 1838. The statue of the general, dressed in his uniform as lieutenant-general of the Kingdom of Sardinia, holds a document recalling his gifts to the city. Founded by Charles Crozatier in Paris, it weighs 750 kg. The fountain, classified as a historical monument in 1982, became a symbol of Chambery, nicknamed "The Four Without Ass" because of the absence of an elephant's posterior, attributed to a legend about the anatomical ignorance of the sculptor.

Under Vichy's regime, the statue barely escaped the melting in 1944 thanks to the Liberation. Several restorations mark its history: in 1979, then between 1984-1985 (lays elephants for repair at the Vincent foundry), and a major campaign between 2013-2015. The latter, partly financed by a public subscription (€160,000 raised), includes the overhaul of three elephants, the restoration of trophies and the modernization of the hydraulic system. The fountain, elected "most beautiful of France" in 2023, remains a technical and artistic masterpiece of the 19th century.

The fountain is part of the 19th century Camberian urban planning, at the intersection of Rue de Boigne and Boulevard du Théâtre, two major axes developed at that time. Its octagonal basin, adorned with the cross of Savoy, and its elephants with the tromps spitting water make it a unique work, mixing military symbols and exoticism. Timoleon Chapperon, in his Guide to the Foreigner (1837), described her as an anatomically unlikely "monster", highlighting her fantastic character.

Materials — Saint Sulpice limestone, iron cast iron, bronze — and techniques (lead welding) pose conservation challenges. Restorations reveal details such as the original grey colour of the elephants, found in the folds of the cast iron. Today, the fountain, property of the commune, throne Place des Elephants, testifying to the patronage of the Count of Boigne and the ingenuity of 19th century artisans.

External links