The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was brought to life by Napoleon who in February 17 1806 made plans for a column dedicated to the glory of the grand army. On May 11th 1806, the two architects Chalgrin and Jean-Arnaud Raymond were given the project. The first stone was laid to coincide with Napoleon’s birthday; several very prominent architects at the time gave their opinions on the project. It took over two years just to lay the foundation for the arc. In April 1814 construction for the project was ceased because of imperial defeat and invasion. The project was finally completed in 1836 and was designed in a neoclassical version of ancient Roman architecture. The major sculptors of France are represented in the sculpture of the Arc de Triomphe and the main sculptures are treated as independent trophies applied to the vast masonry masses. The most renowned sculpture of the arc is the Departure of the Volunteers, which is commonly called La Marseillaise and it was representation of France calling forth her people. In the attic above the sculptured frieze of soldiers there are 30 shields engraved with the names of major revolutionary and Napoleonic military victories. The inside walls of the monument lists the names of 558 French generals with the names of those who died in battle being underlined. Also inscribed on the shorter sides of the four supporting columns you can see the names of the major battles of the Napoleonic wars. Many famous victory marches have led past the Arc de Triomphe including the French, Germans, and the Allies.
"History Of The Arc De Triomphe Paris." History Of The Arc De Triomphe Paris. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 June 2013. <http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/history>.
"Facts About The Arc De Triomphe." Facts About The Arc De Triomphe. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 June 2013. <http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/history/facts>.
"History Of The Arc De Triomphe Paris." History Of The Arc De Triomphe Paris. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 June 2013. <http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/history>.
"Facts About The Arc De Triomphe." Facts About The Arc De Triomphe. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 June 2013. <http://www.arcdetriompheparis.com/history/facts>.