Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Auxerre Memorial to the Dead was designed to honour the victims of the First World War. On 13 March 1919, the city council of Auxerre launched the idea of such a building, and a contest was organized. The project of Max Blondat, representing Minerve distributing laurels between dead and survivors, was selected on 22 June 1923. This choice symbolizes the recognition of the sacrifices made and the unity between the generations.

Inaugurated on April 5, 1925, the monument is part of a complete urban development, including luminaires, stairs and benches, typical of the Art Deco style. A female figure dominates the composition, surrounded by hair, while a soldier seems to be guarding the rear. This monument, first listed in 2016 and then classified in 2020, has become a central place for patriotic commemorations.

The monument was completely restored in 2024, confirming its heritage importance. Its parvis, located at the intersection of Rue du Temple and Boulevard Davout, remains a space of collective memory. Blondat's work, integrated into the urban landscape, illustrates the post-war moral and civic reconstruction effort.

The Art Deco style of the monument is characterized by geometric shapes and a clean aesthetic, reflecting the artistic trends of the 1920s. The materials and the layout of the elements underline the solemnity of the place, while harmonizing with the urban environment. This monument thus embodies both a duty of memory and a work of public art.

The protection of the monument to the dead of Auxerre, first as an inscription and then as a classification, bears witness to its historical and artistic value. Adjacent developments, such as balustrades and luminaires, are an integral part of the protected work. This site, owned by the municipality, continues to play a key role in local memorial life.

External links