Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Caroline have unveiled a stunning new sculpture by artist Giuseppe Ducrot that commemorates the achievements of their great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert I.

The façade of the Lycée Albert I is now adorned with an impressive new sculpture commissioned in honour of the man that gave his name to the establishment, the Principality’s “Explorer Prince” who reigned from 1889 to 1922.  

The more than five-metre-high artwork, which was created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot as part of the 100-year commemorations of Prince Albert I’s death, was officially unveiled by Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover on Wednesday 11th October.  

Made of glistening white ceramic, it features a bust of Prince Albert I in the centre, with regal curving sidebars, Grecian urns and two sceptres bookending a graceful crown-topped oval space.  

The Roman-born artist lives and works in his hometown, where he sculpts works made from terracotta, glazed ceramics, marble and lost-wax bronze. His pieces are inspired by the classical art of Imperial Rome, Hellenistic sculpture and the Baroque era. 

The monument is located on the path that leads to the Oceanographic Museum, a crown jewel conceived and built during Albert I’s reign, and will inspire “future generations to remember the Prince’s numerous actions in the fields of education, sciences and the arts”. 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Stéphane Danna