francophile: August 2025

Egyptian statue in the Louvre Museum, Paris..................by K J S Chatrath

Two years back I visited the Louvre Museum once again and came bewildered at the art stored there. This is one of the statues in front of which I spent some time. This is the Egyptian god Horus.

Horus is also known as ‘Albani Horus’/ Lower portion made of Egyptian alabaster and the upper portion made of Italian alabaster. There is an interesting background to this statue. Its lower part (seat, legs and forearms) once belonged to a large statue of pharaoh Ramses II.

The upper part, entirely reconstructed, possibly in the workshop of the Italian sculptor of Bartolomeo Cavaceppi (1716- 1799), is an attempted imitation of a statue of pharaoh/ The statue was once displayed in the center of the Villa Albani in Rome.. The gallery is a good example of the Egyptomania that developed from 1750. (Photos by KJS.Chatrath and the write up is based on the information available in the Museum).

Place de la République, Paris........by K.J.S.Chatrath

Some times back while visiting Paris, I chose a modest but extremely well located hotel. It was just a few minutes walk from the Place de la Republic and I made good use of my stay by taking some photos of the area.

The Place de la République is one of the most famous and lively squares in Paris. It is located in the north eastern part of the city and connects several important streets and boulevards. The square has been a meeting point for Parisians for more than a century, both for celebrations and for public demonstrations.

At the center of the square stands a large monument of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic holding an olive branch in her hand. She represents liberty, equality, and fraternity, the core values of France. Around the base of the monument are figures and sculptures that tell the story of the Republic. This monumental sculpture, made by the sculptor Léopold Morice was inaugurated in 1883

The square is very large and open, making it a popular place for people to gather. Families, young people, and tourists often spend time here. There are benches, trees, and wide spaces where people can sit, relax, or even skateboard. Many events, concerts, and cultural activities also take place here throughout the year.

It is often used as a space for free speech, marches, and demonstrations. After tragic events, people also gather here to light candles and pay respect. This makes the square not only a physical space but also a symbol of unity and freedom for Parisians.

Today, the square is surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops. It is also well connected by metro lines, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the city.