Through Margot Nicodemus
Published on
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They glow in sunny weather, and create a superb contrast in the sky when it becomes cloudy. TO Rouen (Seine-Maritime), difficult to remain insensitive, when you are at a certain distance from Cathedral (especially on the left bank), at gilding which appeared at the top of the choir roof. What do they represent? Answer with Richard Duplat, chief architect of historical monuments.
Ornaments destroyed in a fire
First, a little historical point: these ornaments were ordered by Cardinal Georges d’Amboise in the 16th century.e, and arrived in Rouen in 1540. They were destroyed nearly three centuries later, in the fire of 1822, when the cathedral was struck by lightning and its roof – at the level of the transept arms and the choir – went up in smoke . It is only during the restoration of the roof of the building, in 2014, that it is a question of restoring these missing decorations.
It was the National Heritage and Architecture Commission (CNPA) which validated the restoration of these ornaments. They are consistent with what was left in the archives [une gravure du XVIIIe siècle notamment, NDLR], and have been the subject of detailed corrections to ensure they remain on 16th century sculptures.
At the end of pre-mock-ups and meticulous workshops, started in 2019, the figures could be installed during the Heritage Days, on September 17 and 18, 2021. So, what do they represent?
Let’s start with the most notable, that of a man on his prancing horse. “It is about Saint George slaying the dragon with his lance”, indicates Richard Duplat. Nearby, “a princess who waits while praying with a sheep at her feet. She was the dragon’s next prey, like two other young men below. Other young people who have escaped the feast dance around the drum, the support of the statue ”.
In copper, bronze and wood
Because “to calm the dragon, it was necessary to feed it two or three people each day. They dance because Saint-Georges has just saved them, ”continues the architect. The outcome of the confrontation differs, depending on the version. “The dragon is fatally wounded, but he was also depicted in the iconography as the princess’s gentle pet, who keeps him on a leash. “
The ridge crest is animated by crosses bearing the arms of the cardinals of Amboise, with the coat of arms of Normandy, cherubim and vases, “set of symbols which are also found in the ornaments of the tombs of the two cardinals, within the chapel of the cathedral ”.
The sculptures were designed in different materials: the cherubs are in embossed and gilded copper, Saint George in gilded bronze, and the princess and the two young people in wood covered with gilded lead. They were fully funded by the state.
Note that an explanatory panel has been installed at the foot of the cathedral, for those who would like to fully immerse themselves in the details… which are definitely worth the detour.
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