A Tribute to France’s Marianne!
When I am in Paris, I often find myself walking across the historic Place de la République, the former roundabout remodeled into the city’s largest pedestrian zone. (right across from the Metro hub by the same name.)
Usually, I am on my way somewhere else but my eye is always drawn to the towering bronze statue of “Marianne” and it makes me smile to think that the national symbol of France is a woman!
The national monument and statue of “Marianne” in Place de la République north of Le Marais
I bring this up now because France issued a new postage stamp this past week in her honour. It is a tradition in France for the president to choose a new representation of “Marianne” upon being elected, and then every five years after that if they remain in power as Emmanuel Macron has.
I find this interesting too because all the presidents have been male.
2023 “Green” Stamp of “Marianne” to bring awareness to the climate crisis
“Marianne” is not a real person of course. She is a symbolic figure. She celebrates the French Revolution and the beginning of the French Republic.
Some suggest that she is female to underline a break from the monarchy which was headed by kings, and others that “Marianne” is female because she is the embodiment of the country’s motto, liberté, egalité et fraternité, as well as the words la Republique and la France, all of which are also feminine in French.
The square at Place de la République was redesigned, enlarged and reopened in 2014
You can find “Marianne” depicted on stamps, coins, medals, and government documents, busts, full statues in town halls and law courts, as well as in many well-known paintings.
Sometimes she looks peaceful, other times determined, even fierce, and sometimes she is topless or baring a single breast.
The famous painting by Eugene Delacroix called Liberty Leading the People (1830) (The July Revolution)
This too has been analyzed every which way as rendering “Marianne” as a maternal protector, or someone whose dress was torn in battle and had no time to be modest.
Why was she called “Marianne”?
Speculation is that the most popular female names at the time were “Marie” and “Anne” and so they blended them.
The statue of Marianne Place de la République was erected in 1883
Back at the Place de la République, I love that children climb onto the monument like they would in a park under their mother’s watchful eye.
On top of the base, “Marianne” stands tall at 31 feet/9.4-metres. She is holding an olive branch in her right hand and resting her left hand on a tablet engraved with the. Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.
“Marianne” was first created almost 250 years old but it seems to me she’s just as relevant, perhaps more so, as more women take their rightful place in the world, albeit there is so much more to do.
Yes, each time I pass and look up I see a robust woman of the people, embodying pure strength and purpose. Like so many wonderful women that I know.
Love to Hear Your Comments!
What do you think? Have you walked past this monument in Paris? Have you seen other statues around the city that impressed you? Please share your comments with us by going to the bottom of this blog and looking for “Leave a Comment” or “Read The Comments.” It means a lot to me to hear from you!
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The French Mother Sauces!
Comments from
The November
Parisian Toolkit
The Five Mother Sauces
in French Cooking
Those of you who are Paris Club Members, I hope you enjoyed this month’s addition to your Parisian Toolkit.
(I provide a French-themed resource every month to Paris Fan Club members.)
This November I explored The Five Mother Sauces that form the base of all traditional French cooking.
I got lots of comments.
Most of you said that you knew some of the sauces but had not heard them referred to as the Five Mother Sauces. (Me neither. That is why I decided to investigate.)
Some of you confessed that you like to indulge in these wonderful sauces in your cooking. (Good for you!)
Others wrote that for a healthier lifestyle, they tend to shy away from them except maybe for special occasions.
Martinn, my dear friend in Paris, says many French people replace butter and cream with broth, citrus, yogurts, herbs, and spices.
As if.
I say what is eggs benedict without hollandaise or a croque monsieur without a Bechamel sauce?
But ok, I too consider these foods indulgences to be had only as a treat from time to time.
That’s why I love to go to a traditional French restaurant when I am in Paris where I can tuck into the real deal without feeling guilty!
A la prochaine mes amis!
Brought to you by
womanofacertainageinparis.com
Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Thank you so much, Diana! Really learned a lot! Haven’t been to Paris in way too long. Since it’s only a 3 1/2-hour train ride from Avignon, that has just got to change and soon! When we do make it up there, I’ll definitely pause to pay tribute to Marianne.
Gayle Smith Padgett
How are you, my dear friend? Well, 3 and a half hours is still a hike!
I hope you and Ralph are doing well. Where are you spending the holidays?
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving this week as well, Diana
My husband and I stayed in Paris all October for our 50th anniversary. We rented an apartment on rue Cler, with a nice view of the Eiffel Tower and the activities on rue Cler. We walked and took the bus around Paris. It was a lovely fall , the leaves were beautiful.
The city has much construction going on for the Olympics next year. Even our walk up was getting an elevator put in ! It’s amazing to watch everyone maneuver through the construction in such small spaces.
We did see some police ready for a protest one day near the Marais, but we couldn’t find any information about it online, so I’m not sure what happened.
We really miss the ambiance and food.
We’re can we find a fresh warm baguette here in the US? Now that’s a challenge!
Well written. I just learnt an important part of French history.
Thank you.
And as for the sauces, what works more to make a dish exceptional than a homemade sauce.
I am hungry again!
I am with you! Nothing like the real thing from time to time. Best to you Twink!
I always hear about Joan d’Arc, whom I love, but not Marianne. I didn’t know the name of the woman when we visited Marianne. I am familiar with the painting though. My husband was more interested in the lion because he is a Leo. He collects lions. Who are the figures below Marianne?
Diana, you have really brought this remarkable and beautiful sculpture to life. I have not seen it but your depiction of it and its context have created a vivid image. When I return to Paris, a visit to Marianne will be at the top of my list.
Charlotte,
Thank you so much for the comment. I too never paid much attention to this symbol of France before…it was time to look into it. Love hearing from you, Diana
When I visited Paris (many years ago), I did not come across the MARIANNE statue. Thanks for the history lesson – I had no idea!!! Live and Learn!!!
You probably saw her likeness elsewhere in Paris Gretchen. I never paid any attention to her busts or statues until recently. Always something to learn about Paris! Hope you are doing well, Diana
Hi Diana,
I loved this.
And when I saw mention of the Delacroix painting, it reminded me of a serendipity during my last trip.
I stayed in a little hotel in the 6th and took a stroll around the surrounding streets. I came upon Delacroix’s’ home and studio and garden which is now a small museum. It was somewhat untouched, with his palette of paints still there, and under glass. Some of his good friends, Van Gogh, Renoir, had gifted him their art and they were hanging on his walls. The garden is a private sanctuary where visitors can sit under the trees. One of my favorite surprises of the trip.
I love this. Thank you so much for sharing your wit and wisdom. I always enjoy your expansive knowledge of everything French.