Offered by Egypt to the France in 1830 in recognition of Champollion's deciphering of hieroglyphics, the obelisk of Luxor, jewel of international heritage and symbol of the splendor of Egyptian history, "arrived in Paris without its tip eroded over the centuries," explained to AFP Isabelle Morin-Loutrel, curator of historical monuments.
"The hieroglyphics and bas-reliefs of Egyptian tombs show pointed obelisks. We do not know how long the obelisk of Luxor had not had its tip, but probably for a very long time, "says Ms. Morin-Loutrel.
The top of the obelisk, erected Place de la Concorde in 1836 on the initiative of Louis-Philippe, remained in the state of stump until 1998.
Egypt's ambassador in Paris, (L) with Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak (C) attend the laying of the golden tip of the Concorde Obelisk in Paris, June 20, 2023 © Ian LANGSDON / AFP
With the patronage of the Bergé-Saint Laurent Foundation, a gilded pyramidion was then installed but without its tip, for technical reasons. Remaining unfinished, the top of the pyramidion crowning the obelisk had been degraded by birds.
As part of a new restoration project launched in 2022, the obelisk is now perfectly pointed with the installation of a steel tip covered with gold leaf, carried out by the Ateliers d'art Saint-Jacques and the Fonderie de Coubertin, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
Owned by the French state, the obelisk of the Place de la Concorde, carved in a pink rock close to granites, is part of a pair erected in front of the Temple of Amun of Luxor 3,300 years ago, during the reign of Ramses II. It is 23 meters high and weighs 220 tons, not counting its pedestal of 240 tons.
© 2023 AFP