Tucked away in the picturesque town of Colmar, France, the Musée Bartholdi is a hidden gem dedicated to the life and work of the renowned sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi. This museum, located in his birthplace, offers an intimate glimpse into the mind of the artist who gifted the world the Statue of Liberty. With its rich history and extensive collection, the Musée Bartholdi is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The Musée Bartholdi is housed in the very building where Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi was born in 1834. Situated at 30, Rue des Marchands, this elegant townhouse dates back to the second half of the 17th century. The building itself is a testament to the architectural style of the period, with its beautifully preserved façade and intricate details. The museum spans 700 square meters across three floors, each filled with a treasure trove of Bartholdi's works and personal artifacts.
As you step into the museum, you are immediately transported into the world of Bartholdi. The ground floor is dedicated to his works that are closely tied to the Alsace region. Here, you can marvel at pieces like The Switzerland Rescuing the Suffering of Strasbourg During the Siege of 1870, a powerful bronze group created in 1895. Another notable work is the bronze reduction of the statue of the painter Martin Schongauer, which was exhibited in the Unterlinden Museum until 1950.
Moving up to the first floor, you will find a series of rooms that recreate the living quarters of Bartholdi's Parisian apartment at 82, Rue d'Assas. The reception room is particularly striking, featuring a large portrait of Bartholdi's mother, Charlotte Bartholdi, painted by Ary Scheffer in 1855. This floor also houses a model room, showcasing ceramic and bronze models of various public monuments designed by Bartholdi. Among these is a study for the Lion of Belfort, a monumental sculpture completed in 1880.
The second floor is perhaps the most captivating, as it is dedicated to Bartholdi's American works, most notably the Statue of Liberty. In the stairwell gallery, you will find two large paintings, Old California and New California, which juxtapose the state during the Gold Rush with its modern counterpart. These paintings were originally displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia World’s Fair.
The first room on this floor focuses on the models and sculptures related to the Statue of Liberty. Here, you can see a bronze group depicting Washington and La Fayette, as well as a statue of La Fayette. The second room delves into Bartholdi's connections with the Freemasons and features busts of key figures associated with the Statue of Liberty project, such as Édouard René de Laboulaye and William Maxwell Evarts.
The third room on the second floor offers an in-depth look at the construction of the Statue of Liberty. This room is filled with models of the statue in various stages of development, along with technical details about its creation. One of the most fascinating exhibits is a life-sized plaster model of the statue's left ear, which Bartholdi kept as a souvenir. This model is a rare surviving piece from the workshops on Rue de Chazelles in Paris, where the statue was constructed.
Before you leave, be sure to visit the museum's courtyard, where you will find Bartholdi's The Great Supports of the World, a striking bronze group featuring a worker, a soldier, and a female figure symbolizing Justice. This powerful piece serves as a reminder of Bartholdi's commitment to social and political themes in his work.
The Musée Bartholdi is more than just a museum; it is a journey through the life and legacy of one of France's most celebrated artists. Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the man behind the Statue of Liberty, a visit to this museum is sure to be a memorable experience. So, the next time you find yourself in Colmar, make sure to step into the world of Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi and discover the magic that lies within his birthplace.
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