The Stone Watcher

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At the heart of this emblematic square stands a monumental work entitled “Stone Watcher”, created by the sculptor Georges Salendre and inaugurated in 1948.

This imposing sculpture has a profound meaning, commemorating a tragic episode that occurred on July 27, 1944. Five men were executed in retaliation for an attack carried out a few hours earlier by the Resistance against the café-restaurant of Windmill, frequented by the occupier.

It is essential to emphasize that the five men shot were being held in Montluc prison at the time of the attack, and therefore could not be held responsible for this act. However, they were chosen "as an example":

  • René Bernard, 40-year-old communist activist;
  • Albert Chambonnet, regional head of the Secret Army, aged 41;
  • Francis Chirat, 27-year-old Catholic activist;
  • Gilbert Dru, also a 24-year-old Catholic activist;
  • Léon Pfeffer, member of the Francs-tireurs and supporters of the Immigrant Labor, aged 21.

The sculpture “Stone Watcher” stands today on the very site of the execution, becoming the epicentre of the commemorations of remembrance in Lyon. This symbolic work bears witness to the sacrifice of these unjustly condemned men and reminds present and future generations of the importance of preserving collective memory and paying tribute to those who fought for freedom and justice. By exploring this emotionally charged place, we commit ourselves to perpetuating the duty of remembrance and honouring the courage of those who sacrificed their lives for an ideal of freedom.

This is a 4-meter statue of a naked man whose arms rest on a shield decorated with the Cross of Lorraine. The Cross of Lorraine is attached to General de Gaulle and the Resistance during the Second World War. Salendre was inspired by the statue of Saint George of Donatello exhibited in Florence to make his own.

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Pierre Bossan

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