Colone+Vendome


 * Colonne Vendome is a beautiful, historical column in Paris, France located in the Place Vendome. Besides the historical column, the Place Vendome is also well known for the square where the famous Ritz Hotel is located. The Colonne Vendome was built from 1806 and finished in 1810 in dedication of Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The Colonne Vendome was originally called ‘the Austerlitz Column’, then called the ‘Victory Column’ and finally the ‘Colonne de la Grande Armee’ (Column of the Grand Army). However, now it is referred to as the Colonne Vendome due to the location at the Place Vendome. **


 * The column is mainly constructed out of stone and bronze. The bronze was said to come from the many cannons taken from the Russians and the Austrians during the battle of Austerlitz. The column is 44 meters high and topped with an impressive sculpture of Napoleon depicted as a world leader. The Colonne Vendome was originally modeled after a similar column in Rome, Italy called Trajan’s Column, however, that column was made of marble in stead of bronze. A team of amazing sculptors was put together to create a 280 meter long artistic representation of the events of the battle on bronze plates that spiral up the monument. **


 * Since it’s construction in the early 1800’s the Colonne Vendome has had a few different versions of Napoleon resting on top. The original sculpture had Napoleon in Roman dress (similar to Caesar) with a crown on his head, a sword in one hand and the “Globe of Victory” in the other hand. In 1814, after the fall of Napoleon, the statue was taken down by the allies and replace with a white, fleur de lis flag. In 1833 King Louis-Philippe re-built it and topped it with Napoleon dressed as a Corporal (the most well known Napoleon with the hat and more modern attire). In 1863, Napoleon III took the sculpture down because he felt it was not safe, possibly due to the weight and replaced it with a copy of the original statue. In 1871 the column was completely taken down because of a petition by a painter named Gustave Courbet. In 1873 the monument was reconstructed at the expense of this artist with a copy of the original sculpture on top. The new structure had stairs that led up to the base of Napoleon which are no longer used. **


 * Knowing all the history and the importance of this symbol to the people of France, I look forward to seeing this beautiful monument in person. I believe there is nothing else quite like it in the world. Not to mention it is the starting point of the Rue de la Paix which is a popular shopping district in Paris. Who wouldn't love that?? **