This intriguing image features a close-up view of a large, textured sculpture. The sculpture's unique design and intricate details create a sense of depth and complexity. The interplay of light and shadow on its surface accentuates the textures and patterns, adding to the visual interest. The perspective of the photo draws the viewer's attention to the craftsmanship and artistry of the sculpture, highlighting its significance as a piece of public art.
In the heart of the La Défense district stands a monumental work by the sculptor César: a 12-meter-tall, 18-ton bronze replica of his thumb. This site, named after the allegorical statue "La Défense de Paris" from the late 19th century, hosts this striking sculpture near the Centre des Nouvelles Industries et Technologies (CNIT) on Place Carpeaux in Puteaux.
Erected in 1994, this thumb is the largest in a series of similar works by César, known for his innovative techniques in molding and enlargement. While other thumbs can be found in cities like Nice, Marseille, and even internationally, this one stands out due to its impressive size and detail, capturing even the artist's fingerprint in bronze.
The thumb's towering presence evokes various interpretations, from a phallic symbol to a playful gesture of approval or interruption. It also draws comparisons to the thumbs used by painters to measure their subjects, humorously appearing to measure the nearby Séquoia Tower.
This sculpture, blending egocentrism and artistic audacity, reflects César's desire to immortalize a part of himself. It also plays on the historical lineage of its name, echoing Roman emperors and adding a layer of wordplay to its significance.
La Défense. France. Photography : © Fiammetta Venner / REIA
