Le Monde Critic Michel Guerrin Says Graffiti Revives Léopold Morice's République Statue in Paris
Michel Guerrin, a deputy editor at Le Monde, argues in a column that the graffiti defacing the Statue de la République in Paris is unjustifiable yet has revived a monument he calls ugly and illegible. The statue was conceived in the 19th century by sculptor Léopold Morice. According to Guerrin, the monument's original meaning has gradually faded, and it now functions as an emblem of power and an outlet for public frustration. The statue served as a gathering point during the mobilization days of October 17 and 18. Guerrin's piece appeared in Le Monde's ideas section on October 23, 2026.
Key facts
- Michel Guerrin is a deputy editor at Le Monde
- Guerrin wrote a column on the graffiti covering the Statue de la République in Paris
- The statue was designed by sculptor Léopold Morice in the 19th century
- Guerrin describes the monument as ugly and illegible
- The statue's original meaning has progressively faded, per Guerrin
- It now serves as an emblem of power and a defouloir, or outlet for frustration
- The statue was a rallying point during the mobilization days of October 17 and 18
- The column was published on October 23, 2026
Entities
Artists
- Léopold Morice
- Michel Guerrin
Institutions
- Le Monde
Locations
- Paris
- France