These are just a few examples of Paris gold. The first photo is a long shot of the gilded figures decorating the end of the Pont Alexandre III that links the Grand and the Petit Palais to the Hôtel des Invalides across the Seine. I took the photo a ways upriver, from the Pont de la Concorde.
The Alexandre III bridge was built for the Universal Exposition that took place in 1900. It's the bridge in the first photo I published in yesterday's post.
Not too far from the Place de la Concorde on the Rue de Rivoli, near the Louvre, stands the golden statue of French national hero Joan of Arc, depicted on horseback. It's also a 19th century creation. Here are two photos I took on Wednesday morning.
Joan of Arc on horseback at the Place des Pyramides
Joan was the young girl who was instrumental in throwing the invading English out of France in the 15th century, at the end of the 100 Years War. Unfortunately, she and this statue have become a symbol and rallying point for the 21st century's far-right Front National, whose members would probably be happy to see all today's invading foreigners tossed out of the country.
Finally, this is probably the most striking example of gilding in Paris. It is just visible behind the Assemblée Nationale building (that's the French parliament) from the Place and the Pont de la Concorde.
L'Eglise du Dôme at the Hôtel des Invalides
The domed church is much older than the Joan of Arc statue or the Pont Alexandre III — it dates back to Louis XIV, who was France's "Sun King" from 1643 until 1715. Today, the remains of the Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte lie in a massive marble tomb inside this church.
Fantastic shots. Definitely Joan of Arc is amazing monument but the dome is a masterpiece which is well-preserved..
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw gilding on features in Paris, I really did wonder how long it lasts. Is it a regular ongoing maintenance process?
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing the Dôme all tarnished and dull before it was re-gilded for the 1937 Paris International Exhibit. So I think it is re-gilded every so often. I have no idea how long it lasts, though. Also, for the same exhibit, the old Trocadéro Palace was torn down and replaced by Palais de Chaillot, still standing.
DeleteAndrew, yes these monuments do undergo re-gilding. I think the Invalides was done about 10 years ago, or so.
ReplyDeleteI take my grandson to the American Library every two weeks. The bus passes by Les Invalides and he now says, "les valises". He's 2 1/2.
"les valises" -- *R*R*R*
DeleteI was wondering about the gilding, too-- thanks for the info.
ah yes, I remember it well!
ReplyDeleteFremiet, who sculpted the Joan of Arc statue, also did an equestrian statue in Mortagne. (I thought the horse in your photo looked kind of familiar, so I looked it up.) The one in Mortagne seems slightly out of proportion--a hefty horse carrying a very small Neptune.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered that the Joan of Arc statue near the art museum in Philadelphia is also by Fremiet.
ReplyDeleteI bet anne marie already knew that.
All that gold shines on dark and gloomy days. I love the statue of Joan- a strong woman managing a strong animal. I prefer to think of her as an early feminist.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way to look at Jeanne's life and accomplishments.
DeleteKen! These shots are amazing!
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, the dome of the church at the Invalides was re-gilded in the late 1980s for the bicentennial of the 1789 revolution. Before that, it wasn't so shiny.
DeleteI once took a Sunday morning Vélib ride which went past the Joan of Arc statue. The only person I saw there was an elderly gentleman whose exercise routine seemed to be running round and round the statue.
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