The article discusses the controversy surrounding the restoration of the stained glass windows at Notre-Dame de Paris. The rose window, originally created in 1225, was completely restored between 1844 and 1867 by Jean Baptiste Lassus and Viollet-le-Duc, with the help of master glassmakers such as Alfred Gerente, Louis Steinhel, Antoine Husson, Charles Laurent Marechal, and A N Didron l’Ancien. The current debate revolves around whether to replace the existing clear glass windows designed by Viollet-le-Duc with new stained glass windows created by contemporary artists and glassmakers.
The current uproar over the stained glass windows is reminiscent of past controversies at Notre-Dame. In 1939, a similar debate arose over the replacement of the grisaille windows with contemporary stained glass windows. The issue has once again stirred public interest, with many questioning the decision to replace the historic windows with new designs. The debate reflects a larger cultural and artistic conflict, with conservative factions opposing modern interventions in historic buildings.
Didier Rykner, editor of La Tribune de l’art, has been a vocal critic of the decision to replace the existing stained glass windows. His online petition against the replacement has garnered significant support, drawing attention to the controversy. The clash between traditionalists and modernists in the restoration of Notre-Dame mirrors similar conflicts that have played out over the years.
The article highlights the role of key figures in the restoration debate, including the clergy and preservationists. While some, like Cardinal Jean Verdier in the past and Archbishop of Paris Mgr Ulrich today, advocate for modern interventions, others, such as Aliette de Rohan-Chabot and Maryvonne de Saint Pulgent, oppose changes that they view as detrimental to the historical integrity of the cathedral. Maryvonne de Saint Pulgent, author of “La Gloire de Notre-Dame. La foi et le pouvoir,” criticizes what she sees as a decline in taste and a focus on fleeting trends.
The restoration project at Notre-Dame has sparked a broader discussion about the role of modern interventions in historic preservation. The controversy reflects deeper tensions between preservationists, artists, and the public regarding the appropriate approach to restoring and maintaining cultural heritage sites. As the debate continues, the future of Notre-Dame’s stained glass windows remains uncertain, with competing visions for the cathedral’s artistic and historical legacy.
