The Adonis of Agde, masterpiece of underwater archeology |
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Collection title
Documentary
First broadcast date
02/10/1973
Abstract
This reportage about underwater archeology is an opportunity to tell the story of the discovery of a statue of Adonis, in the river Herault, near a bridge pillar in the centre of Agde.
The statue, which has become property of Denis Fonquerel, who discovered it, was almost fully restored and is now in the Louvre, to the right of the Victory of Samothrace, pending its return to Agde.
Audiovisual form
Documentary
Personalities
- Fonquerele Denis
- Duray Georges
- Tchernia André
Primary theme
Archaeological sites
Secondary themes
- Historical heritages / Antiquity
- Art, Culture and Knowledge / Fine arts / Sculpture
Credits / Cast
- Dasque Jean - Director
- Nembrini Pierre - Journalist
Map locations
- France - South West - Agde
Context
The Agde Ephebe, masterpiece of underwater archaeology
Cyril Isnart
Archaeological research in Agde, a small town on the northern Mediterranean coast, gave television the opportunity to make a film about amateur archaeology – in particular the underwater variety, capitalising on the unusual figure of Denis Fonquerle. In 1964 Fonquerle was one of a group which discovered a very important 4th century BC bronze, now known as the Ephèbe or Adonis of Agde. The film follows this romantic, picturesque local figure with his passion for archaeology who, despite his modest background, has turned upside down the accepted view of local history. Through him we discover the different types of remains lying on the bed of the Mediterranean just waiting to be found (amphorae, wrecks, commercial products, everyday objects), and the systematic method that archaeology has to use to find, study and protect this heritage. The film reminds us that amateur archaeology, of which Fonquerle was a leading light during the last quarter of the 20th century, has been a mainstay of certain scientific advances. Fonquerle not only discovered quite dramatic objects, though most were quite ordinary, he also passed on his knowledge and taught others how underwater archaeology should be practiced through his association, GRASPA (Groupe de Recherches Archéologiques Subaquatiques et de Plongée d’Agde: the Agde underwater archaeology research group). His work has shown the heavy amount of trading along the Mediterranean coast in Ancient times, proving the importance of Agde at that time.
Very quickly the state attempted to control this practice of amateur archaeology. In 1966 Malraux created the Direction des recherches archéologiques sous-marines, a state-run department of underwater archaeological research. In January 1996 this became the Départment des recherches archéologiques subaquatiques et sous-marines (the Department of underwater archaeological research). Today DRASSM takes charge of the cultural heritage brought to the surface during underwater excavations, but it also collaborates with amateur archaeologists. In 2001, UNESCO gave international legitimacy to this type of research and heritage by enacting the Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. However, it is not always easy for amateur archaeologists and scientists to work together. The passion, the lack of formal education and the desire for democracy of one side sits uncomfortably with the other’s rigor, long research time and emphasis on the legal aspects. The local figure shown in this film, and his discovery of an ancient bronze which then spent 20 years in the Louvre Museum, standing opposite the Victory of Samothrace, before being brought back to the shores of the Mediterranean at Agde in 1986, are emblematic of the many amateurs who want to participate in the scientific adventure.
Voisenat Claudie, 2009, Imaginaires archéologiques Paris, Éditions de la Maison des sciences de l’homme.
2003, Le patrimoine culturel subaquatique, Histoires sous l’eau, Icomos nouvelles, vol. 12, n°1, avril 2003.