The monument in the centre of the Place d'Armes honours the founder of Montreal, Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve (1612-76). A masterpiece by Louis-Philippe Hébert, the sculpture was commissioned to celebrate the city's 250th anniversary in 1892. Maisonneuve is depicted brandishing the standard of France, while grouped below him are some prominent figures of Montreal's history. The monument bears this inscription (in translation): "You are the grain of mustard seed which will germinate, grow and multiply all over this country".