The bust of Bizot de Fonteny and the Republic in clogs is rare, as very few statues depict Marianne in clogs. She is holding a book that reads on the left-hand page, "La démocratie reconnaissante à son fidèle représentant Bizot de Fonteny 1825-1908" (Democracy grateful to its faithful representative Bizot de Fonteny 1825-1908) and on the right-hand page, "Défense Nationale 1870, Chambre des députés 1876-1908" (National Defence 1870, Chamber of Deputies 1876-1908).
Bizot de Fonteny was born in Versailles on 20 August 1825. He was mayor of Courcelles-sur-Aujon from 1867 to 1870, sub-prefect of Wassy from 1870 to 1873, general councillor for the canton of Varennes from 1880 to 1908 and president of the general council from 1892 to 1898, deputy for the Langres constituency from 1876 to 1888, senator from 1892 until his death on 9 May 1908, and mayor of Chatoillenot from 1896 until his death.
He was one of the 34 senators who tabled the bill on the separation of church and state in the Senate.
BUSTE DE BIZOT DE FONTENY ET LA REPUBLIQUE EN SABOTS
