Berthollet Statue, Annecy

The Berthollet Statue in Annecy pays tribute to Claude Louis Berthollet (1748–1822), a renowned French chemist born in Talloires, near Annecy. Berthollet's groundbreaking work in chemistry includes the invention of bleach, his documentation of reverse chemical reactions, and his contribution to the development of potassium chlorate, also known as Berthollet’s Salt.

This impressive statue, crafted by sculptor Carlo Marochetti, was originally placed in the Promenade du Paquier in 1843, before being relocated to its current spot in the European Gardens in 1863. Its location, in the scenic park along the shores of Lake Annecy, draws visitors who can admire not only the monument but also the park's serene beauty.

The statue is adorned with four bas-reliefs depicting key moments in Berthollet's life: his arrival in Paris to study under Tronchin, his interactions with the Duke of Orleans, his expedition to Egypt with Napoleon, and his time at the bedside of his colleague Gaspard Monge.

Berthollet’s life combined academic brilliance and historical impact. After studying medicine in Turin, he moved to Paris, becoming a physician to the Duke of Orleans and a member of the French Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society. A co-founder of Ecole Polytechnique, he aided gunpowder production during the French Revolution and was later appointed senator by Napoleon, cementing his influence in science and politics.

The statue itself endured turbulent times during World War II when it was taken down in 1944 by German occupation forces as part of a widespread requisition of metals. Fortunately, it was spared from being melted down and was restored to the European Gardens in October 1944, symbolizing resilience and the enduring legacy of Berthollet's contributions to science and his hometown.