While the Notre-Dame Cathedral is not due to reopen until December, several restored works will be on display sooner!
Fortunately, several artworks only experienced minor water and dust damage, allowing their colours to come back to life. Among these restored works are the 'great Mays,' religious paintings donated by a Parisian brotherhood of goldsmiths each May, between 1630 and 1707. These works were created by the greatest French painters of the period, including Laurent de La Hyre, Aubin Vouet, Charles Le Brun, and Eustache Le Sueur. The artists dispersed during the French Revolution, then partially reunited in the cathedral.
Among the 21 large-format paintings that have been restored is a magnificent May by Aubin Vouet, The Centurion Cornelius at the feet of Saint Peter.
See also: The History of Notre-Dame
After marvelling at Caravaggio's works in Rome, 17th-century painter Aubin Vouet specialised in large mythological and religious paintings. He was particularly enchanted by David with the Head of Goliath. Upon his return to Paris in 1621, he was appointed Painter Ordinaire to Louis XIII. Caravaggio's influence endured, reflected by Vouet's palette of vivid colours, use of draperies, and a dynamic compositions.
The Centurion Cornelius at the feet of Saint Peter was painted in 1639, to mark the May for Notre-Dame. It was an honour he had already received in 1632, and would receive again in 1640.
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Vouet painted Saint Peter, who finds the centurion prostrate before him, while visiting Caesearea to meet Cornelius. Saint Peter stretches out his hand to help the centurion to his feet, saying "Get up. I'm only a man". The imposing columns in the background evoke the pillars of a cathedral, serving as a symbolic link to Notre Dame Cathedral.
See also: The Mysterious Sarcophagi Rediscovered in Notre Dame de Paris
The restored artwork collection also includes the hanging of the Life of the Virgin, woven in the 17th century to decorate the choir in fourteen pieces. This hanging is currently housed in Strasbourg cathedral. In addition, an immense Savonnerie carpet, given to the cathedral by King Charles X, has just completed its restoration at the Mobilier national.
The Cathedral's reopen date has not yet been determined; this exhibition is an incredible opportunity to see the works reunited.