#saint denis

Please enjoy some more random scenery photos

Just John saying hello to a literal hell hound

Lawbreaker

More random scenery photos that I never posted, enjoy

Golden hour

Yesterday we paid a visit to Basilique Saint-Denis, a church in northern Paris, and final resting place for French nobility. The nave is surrounded by the coffins of kings and queens, adorned with statues of their likeness. The tombs range in age, size, extravagance, and animation. They are illuminated by the gorgeous stained glass windows of the church, casting shades of blue and red across the statues of generations of royal families.

The most breathtaking resting place to me was the tomb of Anne de Bretagne and her second husband Louis XII. The mausoleum houses life sized, realistic sculptures of the royal pair, naked, stomachs eviscerated and sewn up, and motionless in death. They are surrounded by the twelve apostles, four cardinal virtues, and carved scenes of the Italian wars. Above them kneel the sovereigns in prayer. (Source)

I was initially drawn to this tomb because of the artistic craftsmanship throughout the structure. Each sculpture is impeccable, showing the unique features of each figure represented. Upon further observation, I noticed that Anne’s figure was completely naked. There were other naked figures in the church, but all had at least a hand covering their breasts and protecting their modesty. Anne lies with her head tilted back and chest bare, which I found to be an interesting choice in a church setting.

I was mesmerized by this mausoleum. It, and the church in which it is housed, are absolutely beautiful. Weaving through the caskets is not an experience I will soon forget.