A bit of a grey post, this one folks, but then statues are, aren't they?

We're at one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, indeed the world, looking at a decidedly unsubtle reminder of some of the nastiness religion has thrown at the French over the last few hundred years.
The main facade of Notre-Dame de Paris, the one with the two square towers that looks onto the crowded plaza on Ile de la Cité, has three big arched doorways. On either side of the main, middle one, is a statue. On the right is the one shown here.


The names of the statues will start to give us some idea. The snake-endowed personage above is called the Synagogue. And the latter is called the Church. The Synagogue, turning her back to the Church, has symbolically lost her power, defeated and dethroned, the tablets of Moses' ancient law slipping from her hand.


The French have always been very enthusiastic about damaging or destroying architectural symbols which glorify the just-overthrown regime, whichever it may be. I wonder if anyone has done any handwringing over the Church and the Synagogue dames on the front of Our Lady of Paris. Or maybe no-one's noticed.
Have a look next time you're passing by and see if you spot anyone who seems to be suffering sudden unexplained bouts of indignation. What do you think? Is it too blatantly disrespectful or simply a curious anachronism and a good reminder of past excesses? Only you can say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This item first appeared on my Paris Photo Quiz blog, where you can test your knowledge of Paris curiosities and maybe win some cool bookmarks. Check it out, and say Sab sent ya!______________________________________________________________________________________
© 2011 Sab Will / Paris Set Me Free - Suggestions, questions, requests and commissions always welcome!
1 comment:
I fell in love with this statue in 2006 on a visit to Notre Dame. FINALLY, I've found out who she is. Sad that that's who she represents, but I still love her.
Thanks!
Post a Comment