French emotions are taking over after plans to replace Notre-Dame Cathedral’s chapel windows, writes The Guardian.
Many thousands have signed a petition against the restoration plans which involve giving the cathedral elements of modern design, a plan backed by President Emmanuel Macron.
According to the plans, stained glass windows in Notre-Dame Cathedral’s side chapels are to be replaced with modern creations, something angry French have described as “vandalism”.
To date, more than 120,000 people have committed to keep the original windows.
Critics say the change will destroy the architectural harmony of the historic building, which was ravaged by fire in April 2019.
IN FIRE: The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is on fire. Video: Private Show more
Removed
During a visit to the 13th-century cathedral this month, Macron announced that the windows in six of the seven chapels would be removed and replaced by modern stained-glass windows, which will be selected in a competition.
The idea is said to have come from the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, who wrote to the Élysée saying he would like to see the state commission a series of six new windows.
Macron replied that the idea had his full support.
The windows, which are scheduled to be replaced, were designed by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, and were not affected by the fire.
CARE: Parisians describe Notre-Dame as part of their family and identity. Video: Nicolai Delebekk Show more
– Vandalize
The fortnight-old petition calls for the original windows to remain.
“The blind paintings in Notre-Dame designed by Viollet-le-Duc were created as a coherent whole. It is a genuine creation and the architect wanted to be faithful to the cathedral’s Gothic origins,” it says.
Didier Rykner, the founder and editor of the online magazine La Tribune de l’Art is behind the campaign.
He believes that a far better modern gesture would be to use new windows for the cathedral’s north tower, which was more affected by the fire in 2019.
“Paying tribute to the firefighters and bringing new stained glass windows to Notre-Dame, without vandalizing Viollet-le-Duc’s work, can suit everyone,” writes Rykner.
The cathedral is due to reopen on 8 December 2024.
2023-12-27 19:20:30
#Fly #mad #Vandalism
