THE PLACE ROYALE IN 1765
THE INAUGURATION OF THE STATUE OF "LOUIS LE BIENAIMÉ."
August 20, 1765; engraving by Varin. The original statue (by Pigalle) is in the middle of the Square.
The Place Royale
The Place Royale, which had previously suffered severely on September 19-22, 1914, was completely destroyed by fire, with the exception of the modern buildings of the Société Générale Bank, during the bombardment of April 8-15, 1918.
THE PLACE ROYALE IN 1918
The plinth of the statue was protected by masonry-work.
Commenced in 1756, from plans by the architect Legendre, it formed an oblong, of severe and imposing appearance, at the cross-ways of the four main streets of the City. In order to carry out Legendre's plans, forty-nine houses had to be acquired and pulled down. The Square remained unfinished, only three of its sides being built. The Louis XV.-XVI. transition style houses were of uniform construction, and were remarkable for their arcades and eaveless roofs, around which latter ran a balustrade. The central house (formerly the Hôtel des Fermes) had a Doric front with a statue of Mercury surrounded by children arranging bales or carrying grapes to the wine-press. A statue of Louis XV., in the middle of the Square, was protected from the bombardments by masonry-work (photos, p. [78] and below).
The monarch is represented in a Roman mantle and laurel wreath. On either side of the pedestal are two allegorical bronze figures. One, a woman, holding a helm with one hand and leading a lion with the other, symbolizes gentleness of Government; the other, a contented man resting in the midst of abundance, represents the happiness of nations. The wolf and the lamb sleeping side by side at their feet are symbolical of the Golden Age.
STATUE OF LOUIS XV., PLACE ROYALE, WITH PARTIALLY BUILT PROTECTING WALL OF MASONRY
The two allegorical figures are supposed to be likenesses of the Sculptor Pigalle and his wife.