The Arc de Triumph sits on the western end of the Champs Elysees built in honor of those who fought for France. Generals names and the Wars fought are engraved on the Arc, and the unknown soldier and memorial flame are placed underneath it. The four sculpture groups were done by James Pradier, Antoine Etex, Jean-Pierre Cortot, and Francois Rude: La Marseillaise.
The Arc was built between 1806 and 1836 and even though it was originally commissioned by Napoleon the Arc was turned into a memorial for soldiers, especially for those who served under him. Now not only is the Arc de Triumph a memorial for one thing but a memorial for all unknown or unidentified soldiers and each day the Memorial flame is rekindled at 6:30 since 1923. On top of that it has now become a key element is all National Holidays for France.
It is also a piece of art. The four depictions of the figures have high amounts of detail and express strong emotion. It is said that Francois Rude's sculpture, The Departure of the Volunteers, is the most celebrated. After all it is Winged Victory leading the young and old into battle, seeming to promise that they will have victory.
Citations:
Arc de Triumph Paris. www.arcdetriompheparis.com. Arc de Triumph Paris, n/a. Web. 2 July 2013.
Mathieu Bock-Cote. identitenational.canalblog.com. National Identity, 20 Sept 2008. Web. 2 July 2013.
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