A petition signed by more than 120,000 people aims to preserve the original windows of a chapel at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, in opposition to French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to replace them with modern windows.
Critics say the move would constitute “vandalism” and destroy the architectural harmony of the building, which was destroyed by fire in April 2019.
During a recent visit to the cathedral, Macron announced that the windows in six of the seven chapels in the south aisle would be replaced with contemporary stained glass windows chosen in a competition, based on an idea by the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich. , who wrote to the Elysee saying that I would like to see the state promote change. Macron had approved the idea.
The original windows were designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who also added the spire in the mid-19th century, and remained undamaged after the fire three and a half years ago.
“The stained glass windows of Notre Dame, designed by Viollet-le-Duc, were created as a coherent whole. It is an authentic creation whose architect wanted to remain faithful to the Gothic origins of the cathedral,” the petition reads .
Didier Rykner, founder and editor of the online magazine La Tribune de l’Art, who started the petition suggested that a much better contemporary renovation would involve ordering new windows for the cathedral’s north tower, one of the focal points of the 2019 fire.
“As shown in some videos, the cathedral has openings without stained glass, closed only by white skylights. The installation of stained glass would not harm the harmony intended by Viollet-le-Duc and would improve the cathedral Rykner wrote.
Macron had suggested a few hours after the fire that he was in favor of a “contemporary gesture” in rebuilding the cathedral, including an “inventive” nine towers, but abandoned that idea after strong opposition.
Notre Dame Cathedral is expected to reopen on December 8, 2024.
Source: DN
