To mark the 20th anniversary of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II’s reign, a remarkable sculpture is taking shape, in ice…
Renowned French sculptor Mario Amégée, a three-time world champion in the discipline, has been carving frozen works of art for over 25 years, including commissions for the Princely Palace. His latest creation is a personal tribute to the Sovereign, honouring two decades of leadership that have deeply resonated with the Monegasque people.
Working with massive blocks of crystal-clear ice, Amégée begins by sketching directly onto the frozen surface, cutting away excess with a chainsaw before refining the shapes with specialist tools and polishing with care. The process is laborious and fleeting; the final work will be temporary by nature, but powerful in meaning.
Rather than simply reproduce a likeness, Amégée has focused his creation on two defining aspects of Prince Albert II’s reign: his lifelong dedication to environmental protection and his humanist approach to governance. “He is a man of nature and a head of state who governs with heart,” says Amégée. “He remains the leader who shows the way.”
At its heart was the number “20”, flanked by a ship’s wheel above the Grimaldi coat of arms and the motto “Deo Juvante” “With God’s Help”. Around it, marine life encircled the scene, symbolising the Prince’s enduring commitment to ocean protection.
Etched into the piece was a poignant inscription: “He remains the landmark in the storm,” a nod to the Sovereign’s role as a steady, guiding presence during times of change. The sculpture has been made possible with the support of MOO, the artist’s sponsor, who gave him complete creative freedom to shape his vision.
Images: Monaco Info and Cyril Dodergny and AFP (via Monaco Matin)
