A stunning and original pair of Chimères bookends featuring the famous sculptures of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.
The chimeras of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral are among the most fascinating and emblematic elements of the monument's Gothic architecture. These fantastical creatures, carved in stone, form part of the cathedral's exterior ornamentation and have captured the imagination of visitors for centuries. However, contrary to popular belief, these sculptures do not date back to the Middle Ages, but were created in the 19th century during the restoration work carried out by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
History and creation
Notre-Dame's chimeras were not part of the original design of the cathedral, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. It was during the restoration of the cathedral between 1844 and 1864 that Viollet-le-Duc decided to add these grotesque creatures. Inspired by gargoyles and medieval decorative elements, the architect saw these sculptures as a way of reinventing Gothic aesthetics and enriching the cathedral's symbolism. He drew inspiration from medieval manuscripts and bestiaries of the time to create these hybrid figures, combining animal bodies and human features.
Chimera symbolism
Chimeras have always played a symbolic role in Gothic architecture. Representing monstrous or fantastical creatures, they were often associated with demonic or pagan figures. They could symbolize the dangers lurking in human souls, or serve as visual warnings against temptation and vice. Placed high up on balustrades and cornices, these sculptures seemed to watch over the city, looking both outwards and inwards, like silent guardians of the sacred. What's more, their grotesque, disquieting character contrasted with the cathedral's solemn, spiritual interior, depicting the battle between good and evil.
The designer: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc
Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was a visionary architect who played a major role in the preservation of France's architectural heritage. His restoration work on Notre-Dame de Paris was one of his most outstanding achievements. Although his restorations often provoked debate, with some criticizing his overly imaginative approach, it is undeniable that his creations, including the chimeras, left a lasting mark on the cathedral's iconography. Although inspired by medieval times, the chimeras are the fruit of Viollet-le-Duc's fertile imagination, as he sought to infuse the structure with a mythological and mystical character.
Description of the Strix chimera
Among the many chimeras adorning the cathedral, the most famous is undoubtedly the Stryge. Perched on the chimera gallery, she overlooks Paris, resting nonchalantly on her forearms, hands under her chin, looking pensive. This half-human, half-demonic creature has bat-like wings folded behind her back and a piercing gaze that seems to observe the city with melancholy curiosity. Her thinking posture contrasts with the monstrous nature she embodies, adding a contemplative dimension to her disquieting appearance. Its name, “Stryge”, refers to the stryges of Greek and Roman mythology, nocturnal creatures associated with vampires and witches. The sculpture's popularity has been reinforced by photographs and illustrations that have made it one of Notre-Dame's most recognizable symbols.
The chimeras of Notre-Dame de Paris, though modern in their creation, fit perfectly into the Gothic aesthetic and enrich the cathedral's symbolic heritage. They are both mythical guardians and silent witnesses of time, embodying the spirit of reinvention and mystery that surrounds this emblematic monument.
Metal bookends - Made in the EU.
