Marcus Chen
The Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Paris, has long been a source of inspiration for artists. From paintings to photographs and films, this architectural marvel has influenced countless works of art throughout its 850-year history. While the cathedral itself has undergone meticulous restoration following the devastating fire of 2019, its artistic legacy extends far back, with paintings depicting the cathedral dating as early as the 17th century.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Construction | 1220-1250 |
| Height | 226 ft |
| Number of Towers | 2 |
| Fire | April 15, 2019 |
| Reopening | 2024 |
| Notable Artistic Features | Rose Windows, The Mays of Notre-Dame, Gargoyles |
| Notable Historical Events | Coronation of Napoleon, Cult of Reason |
| Notable Painters | Jean-Louis David, Charles Soulier, Childe Hassam |
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What You'll Learn
The Mays of Notre-Dame
Over time, the gifts transitioned to large canvas paintings, known as "great Mays". The theme of each painting was chosen in collaboration with the canons of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and painters were invited to submit sketches before a final commission was awarded. The subject matter was restricted to episodes from the Acts of the Apostles, the Gospels, or the founding themes of the Counter-Reformation. The prestigious commission was given to the most prominent painters and, after 1648, members of the Académie Royale.
By 1708, seventy-six paintings had been donated by the Brotherhood of Goldsmiths, but that year the annual commission ended due to the guild's financial difficulties. Some of the great Mays were lost during the French Revolution, and the rest were seized in 1793 and sent to the Musée des Petits Augustins and the Louvre. Today, out of the seventy-six paintings, only about fifty are still in existence. Thirteen of the grands mays hang in Notre-Dame, having survived the fire of 2019, but they require restoration to repair damage and remove lead dust.
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Rose Windows
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris boasts three magnificent rose windows over its main portals. The rose windows are set in the north, south, and west facades of the cathedral. The west rose window, the oldest of the three, was originally completed around 1225. None of the original glass remains in the frame today. The central image of the west rose window is of the Madonna and Child. It also depicts the vices and virtues, as well as stories from the Zodiac and the Labors of the Months.
The south rose window, also known as the "midday rose", was given to the cathedral by the king of France, Saint Louis IX. It was built in 1260 to echo the north rose window, which was crafted around 1250. The south rose window measures almost 13 meters in diameter and nearly 19 meters in height, including the frame. The window's composition has 84 panels spread over four circles with the theme of the Last Judgement. Christ is depicted in the centre, surrounded by angels and images of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, accompanied by saints, Apostles, bishops, male and female confessors, deacons, female martyrs, and knights. The number of panels is articulated around the symbolic digits 4, 12, and 24. The 12 Apostles are arranged in the first two circles.
The north rose window, crafted around the middle of the 13th century, is the only rose window to retain its original glass, with most of the 13th-century glasswork still intact. The central image of the north rose window depicts Mary enthroned, holding the Christ Child. It is surrounded by kings and prophets from the Old Testament. The north and south rose windows follow the same style of glass painting but with significant colour differences. The south rose window boasts more reds, while the north rose window contains more blues. These colour differences account for the time of day when the sun hits the cathedral, illuminating its interior with beautiful, colourful hues of light.
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Gargoyles
The Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Paris, is an enduring icon and a testament to human perseverance and architectural brilliance. It has profoundly influenced literature, art, and popular culture, serving as the setting for Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and inspiring countless paintings, photographs, and films.
The cathedral has a rich history that dates back to its construction in the 13th century. The south tower was built between 1220 and 1240, while the north tower, slightly larger than the south, was constructed between 1235 and 1250. The original spire, erected around 1250, stood at over 100 feet tall but was dismantled in 1797 due to decay.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone various modifications and survived multiple threats, including the French Revolution and World War II. In 1625, a fountain was added to the parvis to provide running water for the nearby Parisians. From 1630 to 1708, the Parisian goldsmiths' guild donated a large altarpiece each year on May 1st, known as the "grands mays." These paintings depicted episodes from the Acts of the Apostles and represented the pinnacle of 17th-century French religious art.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Notre Dame underwent significant changes. In 1726, the roof was extensively modified, and the gargoyles were removed and replaced with lead gutters. The medieval stained glass windows were replaced with plain, white glass panes in 1756 to brighten the interior. During the French Revolution, the Cult of Reason was celebrated at Notre Dame in 1793. In 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte restored the cathedral to the Catholic Church, and it served as the setting for his coronation as Emperor of the French in 1804. The building was whitewashed, and the interior was decorated in the Neoclassical style.
The cathedral continued to inspire artists in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Painters such as Childe Hassam, Félix Bracquemond, Luc-Olivier Merson, and Charles Guilloux captured the Gothic towers and the surrounding scenery in their works. Photographers also documented the cathedral, with images of the interior, exterior, and various portals dating from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
In recent years, Notre Dame has undergone meticulous restoration following the devastating fire of 2019, which destroyed the spire and roof. The restoration process has preserved the cathedral's historic character while integrating modern safety features.
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Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet's Coronation of Napoleon
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has been an inspiration and a subject for artists for centuries. The earliest artwork of the cathedral that I found dates back to 1460. The cathedral has been depicted in various art forms, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and etchings.
One notable work of art that depicts the cathedral is Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet's "The Coronation of Napoleon". Jean-Pierre-Marie Jazet was a French engraver and artist known for his etchings, aquatints, and mezzotints. Born in 1788, Jazet began exhibiting his artwork in 1817 and rose to prominence in the art world soon after. He was known for his engravings of works by renowned artists such as Jacques-Louis David and Antoine-Jean Gros, as well as for his depictions of Napoleon I's life and the First French Empire.
Jazet's "The Coronation of Napoleon" was created in 1825 and was based on Jacques-Louis David's painting of the same name. David's original painting, completed in 1807, depicted the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French, which took place in Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 2, 1804. The event was a significant moment in French history, and David's painting captured the grandeur and importance of the occasion.
Jazet's engraving of "The Coronation of Napoleon" showcases his technical skill and attention to detail. By reproducing David's painting, Jazet not only paid homage to the original work but also contributed to the dissemination of its iconic imagery. Jazet's engravings were widely circulated and helped to solidify his reputation as a master engraver.
Through his engravings, Jazet played a crucial role in preserving and propagating the artistic legacy of significant historical events, such as the coronation of Napoleon, ensuring that they could be appreciated and studied by future generations. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to document and commemorate pivotal moments in history.
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Jean Berain's Funeral of the Grand Condé
The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has been an inspiration to artists for centuries, with depictions of the site dating back to at least 1460. One notable work featuring the cathedral is "Funeral of the Grand Condé", a drawing by Jean Berain from around 1687. This artwork captures a solemn procession taking place within the iconic walls of Notre-Dame, commemorating the life of a significant figure.
Jean Berain, the artist behind "Funeral of the Grand Condé", was a French designer and engraver who lived from 1640 to 1711. He was known for his elegant and intricate designs, which often featured elaborate ornamentation. Berain's work left a significant mark on French art, influencing the decorative arts in particular. His style is evident in "Funeral of the Grand Condé", where intricate details and a sense of grandeur honour the memory of the deceased.
The Grand Condé, or Louis de Bourbon, was a prominent French military leader and prince who played a significant role in the 17th century. He was known for his military prowess and strategic mind, leading French forces to numerous victories. Condé's funeral would have been a grand affair, befitting his status and achievements. Berain's artwork captures the solemnity and grandeur of the occasion, with mourners gathered to pay their respects.
The drawing provides a glimpse into the funeral ceremony, offering insight into the mourning rituals of the time. The mourners are depicted dressed in sombre attire, with expressions of grief and solemnity on their faces. The interior of Notre-Dame, with its grand architecture and religious symbolism, serves as a fitting backdrop to the funeral of such a notable figure.
"Funeral of the Grand Condé" is a valuable historical record, offering a window into the past. It not only captures the mourning rituals of the time but also showcases the importance of Notre-Dame as a site of commemoration and remembrance. The cathedral has long been intertwined with the history of Paris, serving as a backdrop to significant events and a source of inspiration for artists like Berain.
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Frequently asked questions
The Cathedral Notre Dame was first constructed between 1163 and 1345. It was painted soon after its construction, with vibrant colours both inside and outside.
The exact colours used on the Cathedral Notre Dame are unknown, however, it is believed that the arches, columns and walls were painted with vivid colours.
Yes, there are several famous paintings of the Cathedral Notre Dame. Some notable examples include:
- "The Coronation of Napoleon" (1805-1807) by Jacques-Louis David
- "Notre Dame de Paris" (1881) by Luc-Olivier Merson
- "Notre Dame at twilight" (1898) by Charles Guilloux
- "Nôtre Dame" (1870) by Félix_Bracquemond
