The Chimeras: A Symbol of Paris
The chimeras of Notre-Dame are among the most recognizable silhouettes in Paris. Perched high above the cathedral, they watch over the city and contribute to its mysterious atmosphere. Their hybrid forms—combining human, animal, and fantastical features—have turned them into major cultural icons, far beyond their religious context. Their striking aesthetic has long inspired artists, photographers, illustrators, and contemporary creators.
The Stryge: The Most Famous Chimera
The Stryge is the cathedral’s most iconic sculpture. Resting her chin in her hand, she gazes pensively over Paris. With folded wings and a contemplative expression, she embodies the Gothic imagination of Notre-Dame. Popularized through 19th-century photography, she has become one of the most recognizable Parisian figures worldwide.
A Legacy Reimagined by Viollet-le-Duc
Unlike medieval gargoyles, the chimeras of Notre-Dame are 19th-century creations. They were added during the restoration led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc between 1844 and 1864. Their purpose was not functional but aesthetic: to enrich the cathedral’s silhouette and reinforce its romantic Gothic identity. This intervention deeply influenced the visual iconography of Paris.
Why Do These Figures Still Inspire?
Chimeras fascinate because they combine mystery, expressiveness, and symbolism. Their presence above the rooftops of Paris evokes a powerful Gothic imagination—between fantasy and contemplation. They represent a key part of French visual heritage, instantly recognizable and rich with cultural meaning. Their graphic qualities naturally lend themselves to contemporary decorative design.
An Ideal Source of Inspiration for Contemporary Decoration
The chimeras’ distinctive style—sharp silhouettes, expressive poses, strong contrasts—translates perfectly into laser-cut metal artwork. Bringing a reference to Notre-Dame into an interior adds a touch of French history without heaviness. The clean lines of matte black metal create a modern, elegant, timeless effect, ideal for a library or cultural space.
The 2019 Fire and the Monument’s Revival
On 15 April 2019, the fire that destroyed the medieval wooden roof structure and brought down the cathedral’s spire deeply affected the silhouette of Notre-Dame. The exterior chimeras—including the Stryge—were spared thanks to their stone placement along the upper galleries. The reconstruction, carried out under the supervision of French heritage authorities and faithful to the original lines, restored both the roof and the spire to their historic form. Completed in March 2024, the new roof preceded the cathedral’s official reopening in December 2024, reaffirming the monument’s architectural continuity and the enduring presence of its iconic figures.
Our Selection Inspired by Notre-Dame
Explore our laser-cut metal creations paying tribute to the chimeras and the cathedral’s unique aesthetic. Designed and crafted in Europe, they blend heritage, contemporary design, and artisan precision.