Twelve nurses’ hands. Bronze. Forever captured in Notre souffle par-delà. This isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a testament. A tribute. Here in this small square at the intersection of Rue Jeanne-Mance and Avenue des Pins. Notre souffle par-delà honours the nursing profession. Its location near Hu00f4tel-Dieu de Montru00e9al is significant. It’s Montreal’s first hospital. A fitting setting for this tribute.
Notre souffle par-delà consists of three bronze groupings. Each group tells a story. Hospitality. Transmission. Care. The intimate scale of the work encourages closeness. It invites interaction. A silent conversation between the viewer and the nurses’ hands.
The bronze casts aren’t just decorative. They are real. The artists took moulds of twelve nurses’ hands. They captured the very essence of care. The organic shapes evoke movement. It’s like the wind itself is breathing. A collective breath of life. This powerful image speaks volumes. It celebrates the tireless work of nurses.
More than just art this sculpture is the culmination of a citizen-driven project. Four nurses. Graduates of St Mary’s Hospital in 1968. Catherine McIninch Murphy. Maureen Fitzgerald. Brenda Noonan Brown. Judith Tisseur Norton. These women launched a fundraising campaign. They raised over $250,000. Their efforts reflect the community’s gratitude. It highlights the crucial role of nurses in healthcare.
The project’s documentary film provides further insight. It features interviews with diverse nurses. Their stories humanize the profession. They remind us of the dedication and compassion inherent in nursing. The film’s artistic value complements the sculpture’s message. It captures the artistry and human connection behind Notre souffle par-delà.
As you stand before Notre souffle par-delà. Take a moment to reflect. On the nurses’ dedication. Their compassion. The impact they have on countless lives. This sculpture isn’t just a beautiful work of art. It’s a living monument. It’s a reminder of the profound human connection at the heart of nursing.