Construction decision janvier 1918 (≈ 1918)
Creation of a committee for the monument.
20 décembre 1921
Official Inauguration
Official Inauguration 20 décembre 1921 (≈ 1921)
Public tribute to the soldiers.
22 février 2010
Monument protection
Monument protection 22 février 2010 (≈ 2010)
Inventory of Historical Monuments.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The Monument to the dead in its entirety, including the square hosting it (see OE 122): inscription by order of 22 February 2010
Key figures
Ary Bitter - Sculptor
Author of the bronze hairy.
Origin and history
The Bargemon Memorial to the Dead was commissioned in January 1918 to honour the village children who had fallen during the First World War. A municipal committee was formed to oversee the project, and among the proposals submitted, it was that of the Marseille sculptor Ary Bitter who was selected. The monument, in bronze, represents a hairy at rest, dressed in its complete uniform, leaning on its rifle, with an attitude both martial and casual. Its originality lies in the choice of material, rare for monuments to the dead of the region, as well as in the soldier's posture, a foot on a block, the look towards the horizon.
The official inauguration took place on December 20, 1921, in a small square closed by gates, overlooking the cemetery and the former chapel Saint-Étienne. The hairy stands on a rocky pedestal where commemorative plaques are placed, listing the names of the dead for France. This monument, fully protected by a decree of 22 February 2010, also includes the square which welcomes it. It reflects both the local tribute to the missing soldiers and the artistic style of Ary Bitter, marked by expressive realism and dynamic composition.
Located on Rue Jean-Jaurès in Bargemon, in the Var, this monument is today the property of the municipality. Its location, noted as "passable" in terms of accuracy, makes it a central memory point for the inhabitants. The choice of a renowned sculptor like Ary Bitter, associated with the strong symbolism of the hairy, makes it a remarkable example of the memorials of the inter-war period in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
