We imagined a pair of complementary sculptures: a tiara placed on a walnut tree for Alix de Vergy, and a crown on a birch tree for the Duke of Burgundy, Eudes III.
The idea was to replace the crown of the diseased tree with a “Talantaise crown” to “crown” the people of Talant with a symbol that already belonged to them. To do this, we conducted research in partnership with the museum and the heritage department of Dijon. As the crown of Burgundy has disappeared, we drew inspiration from existing historical elements to create the tiara for Alix de Vergy. As for the crown of Duke Eudes III of Burgundy, although it no longer exists, a crown dating from the period 1404-1419 was found at the Chartreuse de Champmol, originating from the tomb of Marguerite of Bavaria. This crown had no particular value and no designated owner.
These artifacts allowed us to tell different stories through time, and these two headpieces were designed as temporal friezes.
Wishing to involve the inhabitants of Talant in the creative process, we exchanged ideas with them in meetings and by email in order to understand their vision of the city. Following our discussions, we chose to highlight elements related to the fauna and flora of Talant (cherries, roses, frogs, owls, etc.). We combined these with other historical or specific elements of the city (coat of arms, currency, the axial window of the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame de Talant, etc.), as a way of revisiting medieval goldsmithing.
The tiara and crown are designed as durable wooden structures (oak, Douglas fir, cherry wood) and include street furniture.
Find this pair of sculptures in the Square des Montoillots in Talant!
Swan of Melun This swan sculpture was created on the banks of the Seine in Melun. Mainly made from reclaimed materials such as pallet wood, ceramic, and stones sourced on site, it also incorporates elements inspired by the local architecture. This work is part of a collection of monumental bird sculptures that the city has been developing over the years.
Credits
Tales of an outer world
Crowns of Talant and Swan of Melun
Artist duo Jeremy Lacombe
Talant and Melun, France
2024
Thanks to Louis Delagne, Jeremy's family, Laussel and Fau de Rodez, Anthony Trebosc, Jean François Delagne, Severine Cordier, Maria Hilmersson-Landgren, victortournemire, Cygne de Melun
Commisioned by the city of talant and Melun, France