The Tomb of Guillaumet

News that a memorial of 52 stainless steel pillars will be erected in Hyde Park in memory of those killed in the 7 July bombings prompted BBC News Magazine to ask: How do you build a modern memorial? The article (title link) looks at the modern fashion for abstract memorials, which no doubt have deep meaning for the relatives of victims, but which are going to say little or nothing to future generations. This defeats the purpose of a memorial. Now look at The Tomb of Gustave Guillaumet in the Cimetiere de Montmartre, Paris, sculpted by Louis-Ernest Barrias in 1887. More than a century later, that young girl from Bou Saâda is a poignant reminder of the French Orientalist painter buried here. A true memorial.
CLICK to view the plaster model of the girl and CLICK to see more beautiful sculptures by Barrias.