The history of France is also that of its immigration. In Nogent-sur-Marne, a monument in tribute to Italian immigrants will be erected. It’s the
Leonardo da Vinci Circle, supported by the municipality of the commune of Val-de-Marne and the General Consul of Italy in Paris, Irène Castagnoli, who is at the initiative of the project. Jean-Raphael Sessa, founder and president of the association, explains this project to 20 minutes.
How did the idea for this tribute monument come about?
There is no monument of homage intended for Italian immigrants in France and this is an opportunity to make these families enter history. It is important for future generations to remember where they came from. We are lucky to have the artist Louis Molinari who realizes the monument on a voluntary basis. He himself is part of the third generation of Italian immigrants.
What will the monument look like?
It is composed of a column surmounted by a sculpture of Vitruvian Man and surrounded by four trees of life. The reference to Leonardo da Vinci was essential because he was the first Italian immigrant really known in France. As for the trees, it is the choice of the artist. He considers that the esplanade represents France. By building a new life in their host land, Italian immigrants have taken on new roots. On the leaves of the trees, we will write the names of Italian immigrant families who wish to do so.
Why is the monument installed in Nogent-sur-Marne?
At first, we aimed for Place d’Italie in Paris, but it was complicated. Then, one day, I met the mayor of Nogent-sur-Marne and he told me that he wanted to host the project in his town. He offered us a place, located at the crossroads of rue Jacques-Kablé and boulevard Albert-1er, which will be completely redone to build our monument. It must be said that Nogent-sur-Marne has a history greatly linked to Italy. A quarter of the city is of Italian origin. When the viaduct had to be redone, many workers came from Italy and families stayed behind.
When should this project see the light of day?
We are still waiting for the mayor’s response concerning the date on which we will lay the first stone. As for the works, they will begin as soon as we have collected 80% of the sum necessary to carry out the project. For the moment, we are almost a third of the budget, we have raised nearly 160,000 euros. We are not asking for a subsidy, it is the children of immigrants who offer this monument as a tribute. To do this, a national collection is open on our site to allow descendants of Italians to make their contribution.
Is the Italian diaspora still as important in France?
Today, 7 to 8% of the French population is of Italian origin. These figures may give rise to discussion, but it is certain that there is a strong anchoring of Italian immigration. It is said that the most popular name in France is Martin but it should be noted that, when they immigrated, the many Italians who bore the name Martini made it French and transformed it into Martin. There are still Italians who come to France but it is no longer the same immigration, it is mainly students who travel within the framework of an Erasmus.