A spectacular new bronze statue named Ptolemy, depicting a galloping horse and weighing over 3 tons, was officially inaugurated at one of the main entrances to Montauban in the Tarn-et-Garonne department of southwestern France. The impressive sculpture, measuring 14.3 feet in length, was unveiled on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Honoré Cave roundabout, marking the completion of a major cultural initiative that began in 2023.
The monumental artwork carries profound symbolic meaning beyond its striking equine representation. Meticulously sculpted books have been carved beneath the horse's hooves closest to the ground, symbolizing the fundamental importance of science and knowledge in human life. This artistic choice reflects the statue's dedication to celebrating culture and intellectual achievement.
The sculpture pays homage to both local and international luminaries through names engraved on its surface. Prominent local figures include Antoine Bourdelle, Marcel Lenoir, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and Olympe de Gouges, while historical personalities such as Immanuel Kant, Napoleon, and Marguerite Yourcenar are also commemorated. This diverse selection represents the broad spectrum of human achievement in arts, philosophy, politics, and literature.
The statue's journey to its current location began with a generous donation to the city of Montauban by Robert d'Artois, a retired individual who currently serves as President of the local Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Marie-Claude Berly, the city's mayor, Brigitte Barèges, a municipal official, and d'Artois himself as the donor of this remarkable work.
The original creator of Ptolemy was Jean-Charles Hachet, a renowned scientist who has also gained recognition as an art critic and accomplished sculptor. This unique artwork was initially installed at the end of summer 2024 on the Honoré Cave roundabout, strategically positioned near the Montauriol and Hubert-Gouze boulevards in Montauban.
This installation represents the second major sculptural addition to the city in recent years. In February 2024, another imposing sculpture called 'Héraklès Archer,' designed by artist Corinne Chauvet, was installed and inaugurated just a few hundred meters away on Mortarieu Avenue. That earlier sculpture serves as an artistic tribute to Antoine Bourdelle, who was born in the Tarn-et-Garonne city on October 30, 1861.
The technical specifications of Ptolemy are truly impressive and reflect the monumental nature of this artistic achievement. The statue weighs more than 3 tons and measures 14.3 feet in length, 5.6 feet in width, and 10.4 feet in height. The sculpture is constructed primarily of bronze with several reinforcement points made of stainless steel, ensuring its durability and structural integrity for years to come.
The unveiling of Ptolemy represents Montauban's continued commitment to public art and cultural enrichment. The city's investment in these large-scale sculptures demonstrates how communities can honor both local heritage and universal human achievements through permanent artistic installations that serve as landmarks and sources of civic pride for residents and visitors alike.
