When The Saints Go Marchin' In... Photo

Photographer’s Note

These statues of saints, exposed to elements for centuries, damaged also by pollution, have been removed with sophisticated equipment and scaffoldings from the facade of Rouen's Notre-Dame cathedral last year. They are part a a huge program of restoration. All of them are visible inside the choir (13th century) of the cathedral. It's the first time people can see them so close. It is very moving to stop by and see how they went thru the ages. They are made with the local stone, quite chalky and tender.
As an anecdote about my favourite painter, cathedral's facade has been used to convey impressionists ideas, specially whith Claude Monet's "Cathédrale de Rouen" series, painted between 1892 and 1894.
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Added contrast (+15) and sharpness to the original.

snuggleaphagus, wr1611, digi-mom, orme, Intruder, Curioso has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

snuggleaphagus (4138) 2004-03-15 10:57

I really like the angle they do appear to be on some sort of mission. The textures are also wonderful. I'm happy to know they are being cared for gently.

digi-mom (1064) 2004-03-15 22:16

Nice angle; I like viewing them down the line. I like that floor too! Very interesting note and link - I look forward to seeing the finished work.

orme (6746) 2004-03-17 4:24

A very well framed shot, Jean Michel, great angle. I find the first statue on the right, to be the most interesting, because it shows us how the other would have become. They blend in with their new surroundings very well - as if they were made to stand there. Excellent detail and texture. Well done.

Intruder (3075) 2004-03-18 20:11

very nice angle and expression of the statues. good and informative note too