Creation of Calvary and Exhedron 1875 (après) (≈ 1875)
Work of the sculptor Larhantec for the cemetery.
8 septembre 1914
Construction decision
Construction decision 8 septembre 1914 (≈ 1914)
Project started from the beginning of the war.
1919
Completion of the monument to the dead
Completion of the monument to the dead 1919 (≈ 1919)
Sculpted by René Quillivic, signed and dated.
21 mars 1920
Official Inauguration
Official Inauguration 21 mars 1920 (≈ 1920)
First monument to the dead of Finistère.
23 juillet 1997
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 23 juillet 1997 (≈ 1997)
Protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Monument to the Dead (Box AM 33): Registration by Order of 23 July 1997
Key figures
Charles Chaussepied - Architect
Designer of the monument to the dead.
René Quillivic - Sculptor
Author of the 1919 commemorative sculpture.
Larhantec - Sculptor
Creator of Calvary and Exhedron (post-1875).
Origin and history
The monument to the dead of Saint-Pol-de-Léon was decided on September 8, 1914, but its construction is based on a pre-existing religious ensemble. Directed after 1875 by the sculptor Larhantec, the latter included a calvary and an exhedra adorned with a cross road, intended to replace a wooden cross of the cemetery. These elements were incorporated into the commemorative project, merging religious heritage and collective memory.
The monument itself, designed by architect Charles Chaussepied and carved by René Quillivic, was completed in 1919 and inaugurated on 21 March 1920. It is the first monument to the dead erected in the Finistère. Inspired by Burgundy gissers, he represents a dying soldier worn by four women in local costumes, symbolizing mourning and resilience. The Calvary bears the signature of Larhantec, while the monument to the dead is signed by Quillivic, with a inscription in Breton dated 1919.
Ranked among the Historical Monuments by order of 23 July 1997, this monument illustrates the creative reuse of heritage elements to honour the victims of the First World War. Its location in Saint-Pol-de-Léon, Brittany, and its hybrid style make it a unique testament to early 20th century commemorative art, mixing local tradition and artistic innovation.
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