Copy of the bas-relief of the Dragon by Paul-Ambroise Slodtz, 1732
Rue de Rennes 50
Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arrondissement
Paris, July 2012
“This fabulous beast was the main ornament on the facade of a monumental gateway built in Paris by Pierre de Vigny (1728–32), leading into the Cour du Dragon (later destroyed) on the rue de l'Egout (today, the rue de Rennes). On the keystone of the arch, beneath a richly decorated wrought-iron balcony, Paul-Ambroise Slodtz carved the dragon of Saint Margaret, patron saint both of the street opposite and of the wife of the financier who commissioned the work, Antoine Crozat. This sculpture is one of the few surviving examples of rocaille decoration made for a building in Paris.” (Dragon, Paul-Ambroise Slodtz, Musée du Louvre)
Those darn Parisians know how to do things right! This is magnificent! The dragons talons appear to be ready to wreak havoc, but the look on its face signifies confusion - what do I do now? :)
ReplyDeleteYes it's beautiful and I've just learned the former name of rue de Rennes...
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