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The colour of the quadrigas
Originally, the patina was to have a dark brown tone, like the “Florentine bronze” of the statues on the Alexandre-III Bridge.
Today’s light green patina is in harmony with the “mignonette green” of the steel structures in the Nave and enhances the apparent weightlessness of the quadrigas.
The quadriga on the Seine side, “Harmony triumphing over Discord”
© Coll. Grand Palais, photo François Tomasi
The quadriga on the Champs-Elysées side, “Immortality outstripping Time”
© Coll. Grand Palais, photo François Tomasi
The quadrigas being removed for restoration.
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
The horses leaving the Grand Palais to be restored.
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
The horses before leaving for the workshops in Périgueux.
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
Phase one of the restoration work included the quadrigas by sculptor Georges Récipon.
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
Off their pedestal, the horses appeared to be rearing in mid-air.
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
En route for new horizons!
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
Like injured horses, the quadrigas received intensive care.
© EMOC, photo Patrick Tourneboeuf
