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Origin and history

The Monument to Rabelais is a sculptural work installed in Chinon, on the quay Jeanne d'Arc. Made during the last quarter of the 19th century, it consists of a statue and its pedestal, both protected by the Historical Monuments. The official entry is dated April 17, 2025, although this date appears to be anachronistic with the construction period indicated, which could result from an error in transcription in the source.

The sculptor Pierre Eugène Emile Hébert is identified as the masterpiece of this monument. The precise location, at 58bis quai Jeanne d'Arc, is confirmed by GPS coordinates and cadastral references. The monument belongs to the commune of Chinon, in the department of Indre-et-Loire, in the region Centre-Val de Loire. Its location accuracy is assessed as fair (note 5/10), according to the criteria of the Merimée database.

This monument is part of a 19th century tradition of glorification of French literary and intellectual figures. Chinon, a city linked to medieval history and the Renaissance, chose to honor Rabelais, a 16th century humanist writer from the region. The statue thus symbolizes the link between the local heritage and the national cultural heritage. The protection of the monument reflects its heritage importance, although available sources (Monumentum, internal data) do not detail the circumstances of its creation or inauguration.

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