Design for a Monument Commemorating Systematization of Weights and Measures in France

Jean-Jacques Lequeu, French, 1757 – 1826 · 1795–1800

A series of monuments lined side by side. At the center, Liberty and a tricolor with the inscription "LIBERTE" are on top of a pedestal in the shape of a prison tower; laterally are statues representing weights and measurements and columns with attributes referring to science. A snake, topped by an "X" is wound around the left column under a lozenge, representing Night: the top of the column is surrounded by a railing and carries a burning-glass; a thermometer and a weather-cock, "S" and "N" are at the right; the sculptures are shown against the parapet bordering a terrace; behind it rise two cranes, and parts of structures with loggias in Romanesque style.