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Origin and history

The monument to the dead of Autun, located in Place du Champ-de-Mars, was erected in 1923 by architect Claudius Malord and sculptor Alfred Jean Halou. Commanded by the municipality as early as 1919, it initially commemorates the Autino victims of the First World War. Its location, chosen in 1920, symbolizes a central place of memory for the city. The Halou project, selected from among others, was approved with an initial budget of 108 000 francs, finally increased to 140,000 francs for its implementation.

The monument, in limestone, represents widows and orphans mourning on its pedestal, surmounted by a Victory supporting a dying soldier. Inaugurated on December 2, 1923 by the Minister Léon Bérard, he was exhibited the same year at the Salon d'automne in Paris as a plaster model. The names of the deaths of the two world wars, as well as those of the conflicts between Indochina and Algeria, were later added.

Ranked a historic monument in 2016, the monument is fully protected, including its facilities. It embodies both a local tribute and an artistic testimony of the post-First World War commemorations. His iconography, mixing pain and glory, reflects the sacrifice and resilience values associated with these troubled times.

A confusion exists with a monument similar to Nevers, also attributed to Halou, but that of Autun remains specific to its commune. Sources also mention Alix Marquet as a sculptor, although the main text cites Halou as the main author. This ambiguity could arise from an error or non-detailed collaboration.

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