Monarchs - King Louis IX of France
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 38° 38.392 W 090° 17.644
15S E 735514 N 4280287
This statue is known as the "Apotheosis of Saint Louis" and depicts the Crusader King Louis IX of France.
Waymark Code: WMAKC
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 04/16/2006
Views: 98
King Louis IX of France or Saint Louis as he was canonized in 1297 is the
namesake of the City of Saint Louis. He became King of France when he was 11
years old after the death of his father King Louis VIII. He was known as a
Crusader King as he went on Crusades twice the Seventh Crusade in 1248 and the
Eighth Crusade in 1270. During his final Crusade he was captured by the
Egyptians and was release after a high ransom was paid. He died in Tunisia
inroute back to France.
The original plaster model of this statue of the Crusader King, Louis IX of
France, stood at the main entrance to the 1904 World's Fair. After the fair the
Louisiana Exposition Committee decided to have the statue recast in bronze and
present it to the City of St Louis. They approached Charles H.Niehaus the
original sculptor, who offered to cast it in bronze for $90,000 a price that was
too high and it was canceled. A local firm, W. R. Hodges, proposed to complete
the project for $37,500. The artist protested and sued for ownership rights, but
the commission accepted the Hodges offer and the statue was replicated. Seven
months after the dedication of the new gift, the artist was awarded $3,000 in
payment with the stipulation that the pedestal be inscribed "Designed by C.H.
Niehaus."
The Apotheosis of St. Louis was the symbol of St Louis for many years until
the Gateway Arch was adopted as the symbol.