Breaking News: Place Royale in Nantes Embraces Hyperrealist Sculptures for Summer Cultural Event
Nantes (Loire-Atlantique), June 16, 2023 – The historic Place Royale in Nantes is undergoing a significant metamorphosis in anticipation of the 2025 traveling cultural event. The neoclassical fountain, adorned with bronze geniuses and marble statues since 1865, is swapping its allegorical figures for hyperrealist sculptures of contemporary Nantais individuals.
Revolution on Place Royale
The transformation began this Monday, as municipal services carefully removed the original statues to make way for an installation titled “Latest Version.” The Flemish contemporary artist, Willem de Haan, has designed 14 resin statues representing iconic faces of Nantes, including a kayaker, a welder at Airbus, a winemaker, and more.
Hyperrealist Figures of Modern Nantes
The hyperrealist figures aim to capture the essence of Nantes’ urban narrative, highlighting its social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the 21st century. This epal art piece is part of a broader restoration campaign to preserve the fountain’s integrity and reflect the evolving identity of the city.
Preserving Historical Treasures
While the hyperrealist sculptures will grace the fountain this summer, the original neoclassical statues will be temporarily relocated to an exhibit evoking museum reserves. The public can expect these statues to return after a comprehensive restoration process, set to be completed in winter 2025-2026. The restorative efforts will include an inspection and repair of the hydraulic networks and the marble statue on top of the fountain.
Historical Context of the Fountain
The Place Royale Fountain, designed by architect Henri Theodore Driollet and sculptors Daniel Ducommun de Locle and Louis Grootaërs in the mid-19th century, represents an element of Nantes’ rich industrial heritage. The fountain features bronze nymphs personifying the Loire and its tributaries, bordered by geniuses and dolphins depicting the city’s historical prosperity.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As the restoration campaign progresses, new revelations about Nantes’ urban evolution will continue to unfold. The blend of historical sensitivity and contemporary art exemplifies the city’s dedication to preserving its legacy while the future.
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