Taking of Douaumont octobre 1916 (≈ 1916)
Made weapons of Corporal Collenot.
1921
Construction of the monument
Construction of the monument 1921 (≈ 1921)
Directed by Edouard Fraisse in Saulieu.
1er août 2016
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 1er août 2016 (≈ 2016)
Total protection of the monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The monument to the dead of the commune in total (cad. AL 599): inscription by decree of 1 August 2016
Key figures
Edouard Fraisse - Sculptor and architect
Author of the monument in 1921.
Charles Collenot - Corporal, hairy from Saulieu
Model of the statue, hero of Douaumont.
Origin and history
The monument to the dead of Saulieu, located near Carnot Square on a terrace overlooking the street of Argentina, was realized in 1921 by sculptor Edouard Fraisse (1880-1945), from Beaune. This monument is distinguished by its composition: a high base supporting a pyramid, on which stands the statue at the foot of a hairy one. The latter represented Corporal Charles Collenot (1888-1961), a native of Saulieu, who was depicted at the capture of Douaumont in October 1916. The work is one of the few three-dimensional creations of Edward Fraisse, usually known for his bas-reliefs.
The monument was included in the inventory of Historic Monuments by order of 1 August 2016, thus protecting the entire structure (cadastre AL 599). It is the property of the commune of Saulieu, in the Côte-d的Or department (21), in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Its precise location, although reported as "passable" (note 5/10), is associated with two addresses: the Carnot Square (Merimée base) and the 14th street of Argentina (GPS coordinates).
Edouard Fraisse, architect and sculptor, designed this monument as a tribute to the First World War soldiers, highlighting a local fighter, Charles Collenot. This choice reflects a desire to customize the memory, anchoring the monument in the living history of the municipality. Corporal Collenot, whose role at the Battle of Douaumont is emphasized, thus embodies Saulieu's collective memory, while illustrating the sacrifice of the burgundy hairs.
