Symbol of the Aubrac breed, the bull sits majestically on Place du Foirail, in the heart of Laguiole. Created by Georges Guyot, the sculpture has become the emblem of the city since 1947.
Why a statue of a bull in Laguiole?
It was Doctor Paul Cayla who had the idea of having a Taurus which would be placed on the fairground of Laguiole. In addition to the artistic character of the sculpture, the statue had to represent a tribute to the aubrac race, symbol of the territory and pillar of its local economy.
An artist specializing in nature
After approval of the project by the Ministry of Arts and Letters, funds were released to enable the creation of a bronze sculpture intended for the city of Laguiole. The realization was entrusted to the animal sculptor Georges Lucien Guyot, one of the greatest specialists of his time.
It is an animal of the breeder Joseph Plagnard, from the hamlet of Auriac, which served as model to the sculptor. The sculptor began by shape the animal with clay, to make a model reproducing all the characteristics of an aubrac bull. The artist spent a few days there, for the realization of his work. The model was then transported to Paris for the realization of the final work.
Guyot's workshop was located in the heart of Montmartre, in the Boat-Washhouse. It was a artists' house very famous which was the place of residence of many artists world famous, whether they are sculptors, painters, people of letters or theater. This city of the arts has notably welcomed Picasso, Matisse and Guillaume Apollinaire.
It was therefore in Paris that the imposing statues, which is three meters long and one meter eighty high. The sculpture was first made of earth to real dimensions, before being cast in plaster. She was then handed over to the Susse house, a art foundry, which is still today the oldest art foundry in France. The statue was bronze casting to take its final shape.
A mixed reception from the Laguiolais
The bronze left Paris on August 6, 1947 and arrived in Laguiole the following evening. The work was installed at center of the fairground square, on a basalt organ plinth, based on an idea by architect Raymond Borel. Its official inauguration took place on August 10, 1947.
Today the bull statue has become theemblem of the village of Laguiole, “symbol of the dynamic which stands on the Aubrac” – André Valadier. It does not belong to the municipality, but is the subject of a deposit from the Museum of Fine Arts in Paris.
A village with multiple activities
Once you have taken the essential souvenir photo at the foot of the Laguiole monument, you can enjoy your visit in the village to learn more about the activities that make it live, whether it's knife making Laguiole, world-famous works of art, or cheese making Laguiole PDO at the Jeune Montagne Cheese Cooperative. If you have a little thirst, do not hesitate to push the door of our whiskey distillery Twelve.
