President Emmanuel Macron recently visited Notre Dame Cathedral to meet with Marie Parant, the talented individual responsible for restoring the wall paintings in St Marcel’s chapel. This restoration project marked a significant milestone in the cathedral's history, as all the artwork in Notre Dame was restored simultaneously for the first time.
Notre Dame Cathedral boasts twenty-nine chapels that encircle its interior. These chapels were not part of the original architectural plans but were added in the 13th century. Each chapel follows a distinct pattern, featuring a starry blue ceiling, two walls adorned with consistent motifs, and one wall showcasing a historical scene.
During his visit, Macron made his way to the chapel dedicated to Saint Marcel. The wall painting in this particular chapel depicts the transfer of the relics of Bishop Saint Marcel from the suburb named after him to the cathedral. These relics were safeguarded at the cathedral until the Revolution and were revered with great devotion.
The wall paintings in the chapel had accumulated decades' worth of dirt, obscuring their original colors. However, under the supervision of Philippe Jost, the restoration efforts successfully brought the paintings back to life, revealing their vibrant hues.
Jost expressed his admiration for Parant, acknowledging her dedication and the collaborative effort of numerous individuals who worked tirelessly to clean and restore the artworks to their former glory. 'We forgot that the chapel’s 19th-century paintings had such a diverse array of colors,' Jost remarked in anticipation of the unveiling ceremony.
The restoration of the wall paintings in St Marcel’s chapel stands as a testament to the meticulous care and expertise involved in preserving the cultural heritage housed within Notre Dame Cathedral.
