After a long wait, the curious, the faithful and heritage lovers can finally rejoice: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has finally been restored to its former glory. Since the fire in 2019, the monument has undergone a major restoration... As have the treasures it houses.
The cathedral is decorated with numerous paintings, sculptures and objets d'art. These were restored during the renovation work, before being returned to their rightful place in the religious monument.
By the way, do you know who created these works of art? Which artists deserve to be exhibited at Notre-Dame de Paris, and what do their works represent?
The Paris cathedral is adorned with numerous paintings: there are over twenty of them, dating from the beginning of 1585 to 1754. The most famous paintings at Notre-Dame de Paris are the"Mays". The paintings in this collection were donated to the cathedral every May 1st, between 1630 and 1707, by the goldsmiths' guild. This gift was a sign of devotion to the Virgin Mary. Today, 13 Mays can still be seen in the cathedral: the others have been lost, or are on display in French museums such as the Louvre, or in churches in France.
The Mays illustrate the Acts of the Apostles. These works, commissioned by the goldsmiths' guild, were produced by the finest artists of each era. Although some of these painters are forgotten today, they were renowned for their talent in their day. The walls of Notre-Dame feature works by Laurent de la Hyre, Charles Le Brun, Aubin Vouet, Joseph-Marie Vien...
With the restoration of the 18th century, Mays' donations ceased. The cathedral commissioned new paintings to decorate the choir of the monument: eight paintings by famous painters, paying homage to the Virgin Mary and her life. Only one of these paintings can still be seen at Notre-Dame de Paris.
Visitors can also admire sculptures from different eras. The oldest date back to the Middle Ages. Some have been remodeled and restored according to the fashions of the times, while others are more recent and have been added by successive rulers or architects. Inside the monument, few sculptures remain; however, several can be seen on the façade or outside terraces.
The cathedral also boasts frescoes in two chapels, stained glass windows dating from the 19th century, religious and historical objets d'art... Not forgetting, of course, the treasure of Notre-Dame de Paris, on display in a dedicated room.
Notre-Dame de Paris is the guardian of numerous works of art, each telling its own story of the cathedral's rich history. The monument has something to fascinate the curious and lovers of culture andhistory. On your next visit, keep your eyes peeled...
Location
Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
75004 Paris 4
Access
Metro - RER: - Cité (4) - Saint Michel - Notre-Dame (B,C) - Hôtel de Ville (1,11) - Maubert-Mutualité / Cluny - La Sorbonne (10) - Châtelet - Les Halles (7,14,A,D)
