Paris’s Graffiti-Covered Marianne Statue Draws Crowds and Divides Onlookers

The statue of Marianne, the republic’s symbol of unity, has lost its original meaning, according to Guerrin. He quotes art historian Bertrand Tillier, who believes the statue has become “a piece of street furniture, a surface for posters and slogans.”

However, the Le Monde columnist sees value in this. When cleaned, Marianne goes unnoticed, Guerrin writes, and continues:

“When she is defaced, she becomes a star. On Monday, October 19, hundreds of onlookers gathered around her to take pictures. They were either fascinated or outraged - but at least she is alive again.”