The Volunteer of 1792 (French: Le Volontaire de 1792) is a statue created in 1899 by the sculptor Paul-François Choppin.

The Volunteer of 1792
The Volunteer of 1792 in Remiremont
ArtistPaul-François Choppin
MediumBronze sculpture

History

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The statue was commissioned to honor the inhabitants of the district of Remiremont who were the first volunteers to defend their homeland during the chaos of 1792.[1] It has become the emblem of the city and stands at the intersection of rue Charles-de-Gaulle and rue de la Xavée, in the city of Remiremont in the Vosges department.

From the ranks of these first volunteers emerged General Humbert, a native of Saint-Nabord, hired on 10 August 1792 and appointed Brigadier General on 9 April 1794 at the age of 26.

The statue and its base have been listed as historical monuments since 27 February 1996.[2] The base bears on one side the inscription "A volunteer of 1792" and on another "State gift 1899".

Postage Stamp

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The 15 May 1995 La Poste issues a 2.80 francs stamp designed by Louis Arquer and dedicated to Remiremont, on which the statue appears in the foreground.[3] A First Day card and envelope are published for this occasion.[4]

In 2009, a personalized stamp designed by the town hall of Remiremont once again honored the Volunteer, this time showing it from the front.[5]

Posterity

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The cultural center of Remiremont has been named “Espace Le Volontaire”.

Notes

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  1. ^ Jean-Claude Baumgartner, Remiremont : histoire de la ville et de son abbaye, G. Louis, Vagney, 1985, p. 171
  2. ^ Base Mérimée: PA88000002, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)
  3. ^ Yvert et Tellier, No. 2955, Sourde philatélie : timbres France [1]
  4. ^ Sourde philatélie : Premier jour
  5. ^ Sourde philatélie : vignettes

Bibliography

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  • Charles Vosgien, Le Livre d'or des familles de Remiremont. Victimes de la Révolution. Volontaires de 1792, impr. de V. Collot, Épinal, 1889, 32 p.
  • "L'Enrôlement des volontaires de 1792" : Thomas Couture, 1815-1879 : les artistes au service de la patrie en danger, Musée départemental de l'Oise, Beauvais, 1989, p. 233-234 ISBN 2-901290-05-1 (exposition au, Musée départemental de l'Oise, 5 octobre-31 décembre 1989)