Hidden within the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Cercandosi Sculpture awaits discovery. This isn’t just another statue. It’s part of a larger narrative, a collection known as the “Reines de France et Femmes illustres”. Cercandosi, along with nineteen other marble figures, graces the gardens. They stand as silent witnesses to history, each representing a queen or influential woman of France. Commissioned by King Louis-Philippe I around 1843, the sculptures offer a glimpse into the past. Imagine strolling through the gardens in the mid-1800s, the newly unveiled Cercandosi gleaming in the sunlight. Each statue cost approximately 12,000 francs, a testament to their importance. Most were exhibited in the Paris Salons of 1847 and 1848, causing quite a stir among art enthusiasts. The Cercandosi Sculpture, within this prestigious company, holds its own. The collection originally included Joan of Arc. However, her statue was deemed too delicate for the elements. She was relocated to the Louvre, replaced by Margaret of Anjou. So as you admire Cercandosi, remember the stories whispered by these marble figures. They speak of power, influence, and the enduring legacy of remarkable women.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.