The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, situated in the Louvre courtyard, is a celebrated monument in Paris. Constructed between 1806 and 1808, it was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate the victories of the French army in the War of the Third Coalition, specifically the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805.
Designed by Charles Perrault, Jean-Francois-Therese Chalgrin, and Pierre-Francois-Leonard Fontaine, the arc is a smaller, but more ornate version of the Arch of Constantine in Rome. It measures 19 meters in height, 23 meters in width, and 7 meters in depth. The structure is adorned with:
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel was part of Napoleon's grand plan to transform Paris into a city that would reflect the glory and power of the French Empire. It was meant to be the first of three arcs, with the Arc de Triomphe and the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile being the other two, although the latter was never built.
Following the fall of Napoleon, the arc's significance shifted. During the Restoration Monarchy in 1828, the original quadriga was replaced with a replica, symbolizing a move away from Napoleonic iconography. The monument also served as a backdrop for various events, including military parades and royal processions.
The arc symbolizes French military prowess and was intended to honor the Grande Armée. Its location in front of the Louvre Museum also ties it to France's artistic and cultural heritage, making it a blend of military and cultural symbols.
Over time, the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel has undergone several restorations to preserve its ornate details and structural integrity. Today, it remains a focal point for visitors to the Louvre, serving not only as a historical monument but also as a cultural icon, often featured in films, photographs, and events.