La Déesse

Standing majestically in the middle of the Grand Place, this column commemorates the siege of Lille by the Austrians in September 1792. In the right hand, holding a bronze Goddess 'firebrand' that is used to light the fuse of the cannon. His left hand shows an inscription on the base: the courageous response of the mayor of Lille, André, refusing to give his beleaguered city. This victory was also welcomed by the National Convention, proclaiming that "Lille had deserved well of the fatherland." The monument, designed by architect Charles Benvignat was erected in 1845. The sculptor of the Goddess is the Douai Théophile Bra, also author of two bas-reliefs on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.