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Sculpture of St. Denis, Notre Dame, Paris

1853–54

Not on view

Around 1853, the sculptor Geffroy-Dechaume commissioned Mestral to photograph a series of statues for the cathedral of Notre Dame during its renovation by Viollet-le-Duc. The results belie the commercial nature of the photographs, which are among Mestral's most beautiful productions. Here, St Denis, who was decapitated during his martyrdom, appears both magisterial and surreal as he confronts the viewer with his severed head.

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- https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/767532
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Title: Sculpture of St. Denis, Notre Dame, Paris

Artist: Auguste Mestral (French, Rans 1812–1884 Rans)

Date: 1853–54

Medium: Salted paper print from paper negative

Dimensions: Image: 12 13/16 × 8 7/16 in. (32.6 × 21.5 cm)
Mount: 23 1/8 × 18 3/8 in. (58.7 × 46.7 cm)

Classification: Photographs

Credit Line: Purchase, Alfred Stieglitz Society Gifts, 2017

Accession Number: 2017.413

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