Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII

The Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII is a monument installed at the center of Square Louis-XIII, or Place des Vosges, in Paris. The original bronze statue was commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu in 1639 to occupy the center of the former Place Royale and help prevent duels there. Attributed to the sculptor Pierre II Biard, it was destroyed during the French Revolution and its bronze was melted down for cannons. A new white marble version, made by Jean-Pierre Cortot in 1821 after a model by Charles Dupaty from 1816, was installed in 1825. The king is shown as a Roman emperor, with a laurel crown, armor under his clothing, a sword at his left side, and one hand holding the reins.

Equestrian statue of Louis XIII on a tall stone pedestal behind a black fence, with trees and a brick building in the background.
The Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII stands on a tall pedestal in a tree-lined square in Paris.
May 2023 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Equestrian statue of Louis XIII on a stone pedestal, surrounded by a black fence and autumn trees.
The Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII stands in a fenced square beneath autumn foliage.
November 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII on a tall pedestal in a snowy public square with bare trees and pedestrians.
The Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII stands in a snowy square surrounded by bare trees and a few pedestrians.
· Public domain
Small illustration of the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII on a tall pedestal, shown among trees and a fence.
The Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII depicted in a small engraved detail with trees and fencing around the monument.
1834 © Aristide-Michel Perrot · Public domain
Technical drawing showing a marble block for the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII being moved on a wooden cradle with ropes, winches, and pulleys.
Technical drawing of a marble block transport system for the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIII.
© Ménager, Jean-François-Julien (Paris, en 1783 - Saint-Germain-en-Laye, en 1864), dessinateur · CC0

Identification

TitleEquestrian statue of Louis XIII
Pronunciation[staty ekɛstʀ də lwi tʀɛz]
TypeEquestrian statue
SubjectLouis XIII of France
Original French titleStatue équestre de Louis XIII

Historical context

Original compositionA cast horse originally made for an equestrian statue of Henry II, with an oversized effigy of Louis XIII placed on it
Original artist proposed for the horseMichelangelo
Horse completion year1567
Horse originOriginally commissioned in 1560 by Catherine de Médicis for an equestrian statue of Henry II
Current installation date1825
Current sculpture execution date1821
Michelangelo's recommendationRoberto Strozzi should entrust the work to Daniele Ricciarelli da Volterra, assisted by Jean de Bologne
Original purposeTo occupy the center of the Place Royale and help prevent the frequent duels there
Original installation date1639
Original commission date1634
Michelangelo's responseHe refused, citing his age

Creator

Model for current sculptureCharles Dupaty, 1816
Current sculptorJean-Pierre Cortot
Original sculptorPierre II Biard
Original commissionerCardinal Richelieu

Materials

Current materialWhite marble
Original materialBronze

History and restoration

Original fateDestroyed during the French Revolution; the bronze was melted down to cast cannons
ReplacementInstalled in place of the original bronze statue destroyed during the French Revolution

Location and ownership

PedestalPlaced on a pedestal surrounded by wrought-iron railings
Current locationCenter of Place Louis-XIII (Place des Vosges), Paris

Appearance

Depicted figureLouis XIII on horseback
Depicted figure's attireDressed as a Roman emperor
AttributeSword at his left side
HeadgearLaurel wreath
Right handHolds the reins
Arm gestureRight arm extended in a gesture of majesty while turning to the left
Riding positionRides without stirrups
Horse poseLeft front leg raised, head turned to the right
Structural supportA tree trunk placed under the horse's belly to prevent the statue from collapsing
ArmorCuirass under drapery