Roman Trophy Restored by Edward Tuck '62
Another contribution to the French nation by Edward Tuck '62 was officially acknowledged on April 26 at ceremonies marking the restoration of the Alpine Trophy of Augustus which crowns the hill of La Turbie just behind Monte Carlo. Erected in the sth century B. C. to commemorate the conquest by Rome of the entire Alpine region, this greatest Roman monument in France had been neglected for hundreds of years until Mr. Tuck conceived the idea of restoring as much of its former majesty and beauty as possible.
The Government of France was represented at the inauguration ceremonies on April 26 by Gabriel Hanotaux, member of the French Academy. Paul Leon, delegate of the Minister of Fine Arts, and a distinguished committee of Senators, Deputies, generals, admirals, scholars, and civil authorities were also present. Mr. Tuck spoke briefly in French during the ceremonies.
With the funds contributed by Mr. Tuck, the work of restoration was carried on under the direction of Jules Formige, chief architect of historical monuments. The entire region around the monument was excavated in order to recover original materials, and many neighboring houses were torn down to provide room for a spacious paved court around the central Trophy.
Mr. Tuck has also provided a substantial building to house the plans, models, and objects unearthed from the ruins, and this will be maintained as a museum for tourists and students of architecture and archaeology.
The inscription on the monument's plinth has been restored in full, as recorded by the elder Pliny. It reads:
IMPERATORI CAESARI DIVI. FILIO AUGUSTOPONT. MAX. IMP. XIIII. TRIB. POT. XVIISENATUS POPULUSQUE ROMANUS
and is followed by the names of the forty-four conquered Alpine tribes. The inscription is on the west front of the monument, which has been restored with its bas-reliefs and a portion of the peristyle. The south entrance has been fitted with a bronze.door by Barbedienne; while at the top of the spiral stairway a huge block of stone, moving on a pivot, admits to the primary terrace, which commands a fine view of Monaco and the Mediterranean coast.
The restored monument can be seen from the northwest windows of Mr. Tuck's apartment at Monte Carlo, and it was this daily view during the winter which first aroused his interest in the project of restoration. When the original estimate of cost was found insufficient, Mr. Tuck sent 'he chief architect the following verses from St. Luke:
For which of you, intending to build atower, sitteth not down first, and counteththe cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid thefoundation, and is not able to finish it, allwho behold it begin to mock him, Saying,This man began to build, and was not ableto finish.
Despite the scriptural rebuke, the necessary additional funds were provided.
Among the many other gifts which Mr. Tuck has given to France is a priceless art collection in the Petit Palais in Paris.
La Turbie Beautiful "Trophee des Alpes" restored by Edward Tuck '62 in Monte Carlo.
