Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The monument to the dead of Gallargues-le-Montieux, located in the Gard in the Occitanie region, commemorates the soldiers of the commune who died in the wars of the 20th century. It stands on the Place de la Concorde and takes the form of an obelisk surmounting a square pedestal, adorned with a high relief in stone of Lens representing a mother and her son laying flowers on a tomb. The names of 54 soldiers who died during the First World War and 3 soldiers from the Second World War are engraved. The monument, measuring 5 meters high, was designed to honour the memory of the disappeared and symbolize collective mourning.

The decision to build the monument was taken in March 1921 by the municipality. The plans are designed by architect Paul Chabert, while the statuary is entrusted to sculptor Paul Landowski, for a total estimate of 30,000 francs (including 14,000 for sculpture). Construction began in 1923, but a defect in the stone (a thread giving the impression of a breakage) caused a conflict between the municipality and Landowski. After unsuccessful conciliation attempts in 1924 and 1927, Landowski refused to retouch in 1928. Final works were carried out by a sculptor from Nîmes at the end of 1928, and Landowski received his payment only in September 1929.

The monument is listed as historical monuments on October 18, 2018, among 42 monuments to the dead of the Occitanie region protected for their architectural, artistic or historical value. It belongs to the commune and remains a strong symbol of local memory, recalling the sacrifices of the Galluese soldiers during the two world wars. Its inscription underlines its heritage importance and its role in preserving collective history.

External links