Paris
In 1878, the Council of Paris decided to erect a monument dedicated to the Republic in the Capital. An architecture contest was thus organized, and the winners, the Morice brothers had their statue erected on the Place de la République. The architect Jules Dalou, who’s project received second place was also rewarded as his statue, the «Republic Triumph», was built on the Place de la Nation.
Jules Dalou found his inspiration in the late 17th century sculptures, and designed a statue representing the Republic in a human shape, standing on a globe on top of a car pulled by lions, and guided by the spirit of Liberty. The Republic is surrounded on its sides with two statues representing Work and Justice. In her back, the statue representing Peace distributes the fruits of Abundance.
The statue was placed on the Place de la Nation in 1889, as France was celebrating the first centenary of the Revolution. As the Bronze statue was not ready for the occasion, the statue shown on the inauguration day was made of plaster. The bronze statue was erected in its place 10 years later. The Republic car seems to be headed in the direction of the Place de la Bastille, which is why the line between the two squares was named the «Republican line». That is why numerous Parisian demonstrations follow this line.