Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

Monument to Jean-Michel Nicolier Unveiled in the City of Vukovar

In the city of Vukovar, a symbol of Croatia’s struggle for freedom, a stone bust of Jean-Michel Nicolier was ceremoniously unveiled — a French volunteer who came in 1991 to help defend Croatia. Born in France, Nicolier left his home country to join the Croatian forces during the most difficult moments of the Homeland War. His courage, compassion and determination have remained deeply engraved in the collective memory of the Croatian people.

The monument to Jean-Michel Nicolier was unveiled in the presence of the Mayor of Vukovar, the President of the City Council, and his mother, Mrs. Lyliane Fournier. Emotion, pride and gratitude marked the moment of the unveiling of the portrait sculpture – the bust of Jean-Michel Nicolier – created by our academic sculptor Lovre Jakšić, in collaboration with our stonemasonry workshop.

The entire monument was crafted in our workshop, including the stone pedestal made of white Brač stone, which we donated for this occasion.

The bust of Jean-Michel Nicolier was carefully modelled as a faithful portrait, carved in stone in honour of a man who felt Croatia was his homeland. The monument represents not just a sculpture, but symbolises all foreign volunteers who selflessly contributed to our freedom.

We are honoured that our workshop was chosen to shape this deeply meaningful monument to Jean-Michel Nicolier – a man who became a symbol of courage and sacrifice.