Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, it was not finished until 1836.

There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars.

 

These commemorate The Triumph of 1810 (Cortot); Resistance , and Peace (both by Etex); and the Departure of the Volunteers, more commonly known by the name La Marseillaise (Rude).