Most people visit the cathedral to admire the architecture, yet few actually stop to look at the paintings. This is a mistake, as Notre Dame houses a collection of French religious art that rivals the Louvre.
For decades, these masterpieces were notoriously difficult to see. Because they hung in dark chapels and remained covered in layers of dirt, their beauty stayed hidden. However, the recent restoration has changed everything. Since the paintings have been cleaned and properly lit, they now appear vibrant and dramatic once again.
What are “The Mays”?
During the 17th century, the Goldsmiths’ Guild of Paris maintained a unique tradition. Every year on May 1st, they commissioned a large painting as a gift to the Virgin Mary. These celebrated works are known as “The Mays” (Les Mays).
To ensure the highest quality, the guild commissioned the best artists of the era. Consequently, between 1630 and 1707, the cathedral received 76 of these incredible masterpieces.
The Baroque Style
Instead of being stiff medieval icons, these works represent the height of the Baroque style. They are full of movement, emotion, and dramatic lighting that closely resemble the work of Caravaggio.
Key Paintings to Find
- Saint Peter Healing the Sick with his Shadow (Laurent de La Hyre): This is one of the most famous Mays. It shows Peter walking through a crowd, where the play of light and shadow is truly incredible.
- The Conversion of Saint Paul (Laurent de La Hyre): A dramatic scene depicting Paul falling from his horse.
- The Stoning of Saint Stephen (Charles Le Brun): As the favorite painter of King Louis XIV, Le Brun created a scene that is both intense and violent.
The Return of the Art
During the French Revolution, revolutionaries seized many of these paintings, which resulted in them being moved to the Louvre or scattered to other museums. Fortunately, many were returned to the cathedral over time.
Before the fire, they hung in the side chapels; however, during the restoration, experts moved them to a laboratory. There, conservators removed yellow varnish and repaired cracks to bring the colors back to life.
Why You Should Look
As you walk down the aisles, look into the alcoves of the side chapels. These paintings tell the history of Paris by showcasing the wealth of the city in the 1600s and the devotion of the goldsmiths. Furthermore, the frames themselves are original works of art, intricately carved and gilded. The art inside Notre Dame is finally getting the attention it deserves.
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