Statua della Tarasque

The Statua della Tarasque is a monumental sculpture situated on the banks of the Rhône in Tarascon, France. Created in the late 19th century by artists François Frédéric Auguste de Montalier and Georges Jean, it is a representation of the legendary Tarasque, a monster of frightening proportions, who was chased away from the village by Saint Martha. The statue is made of solid bronze, and it stands nine meters tall, with the head of the Tarasque soaring nearly three metres above. The figures of Saint Martha and her helpers, including the rooster, which is said to have distracted the monster, and the lamb, which was said to have subdued it, flank and watch over the crowning figure of the Tarasque. The bronze sculpture is an impressive representation of a particular part of the local mythology, which continues to inspire the people of Tarascon.