How often do you get the chance to see a piece of history reborn? Today, we stand before Notre-Dame-des-Ecores. It is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to Montreal’s enduring Catholic heritage.
The story of Notre-Dame-des-Ecores is intertwined with the evolution of religious art. The sculpture was assigned to the Atelier des Ecores when the interior of Montreal Sulpicians’ old Notre-Dame Church was redecorated in the early 19th century. This studio played a pivotal role in shaping the church’s artistic identity.
In 1809, the Atelier des Ecores received a significant commission. They were tasked with creating an imposing wooden Virgin. It was meant to mirror the small silver statue of The Immaculate Conception. This statue belonged to the parish. Despite similarities in the arm position, the Atelier des Ecores Virgin had unique features. The uncovered head and direct gaze set it apart.
Originally, the statue was painted white. This was to mimic marble. It was then placed in a niche above the altar. This placement was customary for paintings in Lower Canada. Interestingly, the Church of Saint Sulpice in Paris had a marble Virgin and Child. Jean-Baptiste Pigalle created it in 1754. It had occupied a niche there since 1778. This shows the continued influence of the Ancien Régime on Montreal’s church.
The later polychrome on the Virgin Mary statue reflects changes in the church’s decoration. Notre-Dame-des-Ecores has deep roots. In 1642, Ville-Marie was founded. It was Montreal’s original name. A small chapel was built at la Pointe-à-Callière. The French Jesuits dedicated it to the Virgin Mary, Notre Dame, or Our Lady.
In 1657, Sulpician priests arrived from France. They replaced the small chapel with a more impressive church. François Dollier de Casson designed it. He used the baroque style. Construction lasted from 1672 to 1683. The population of Montreal increased by the 1820s. A larger church was needed. There was also a drive to put Montreal on the architectural map. It was a way to reaffirm its Catholic identity.
The registers are at Saint-Sylvain’s parish. The address is 750, boul. Saint-Sylvain SVP, Laval, Qc H7E 2X3. The telephone number is 450-661-2111. The email address is st_sylvain@yahoo.ca.
As we stand here, let’s appreciate Notre-Dame-des-Ecores. It embodies Montreal’s rich religious history. It exemplifies artistic evolution. This site reminds us of the past. It also inspires us to reflect on the present.