This is the story of a photographic work which should have been put up for auction a year ago, and which today finds itself exhibited at the Palais Bourbon in Paris, a place famously known for hosting the National Assembly.
In 2022, Claire Papillault, a Lochoise cured of breast cancer, agreed to wear a dress specially created for the occasion by the seamstress Madame Augustine and inspired by the one worn by the famous Agnès Sorel in the painting by Jean Fouquet then to pose with, under the eye of photographer Sandrine Gaumot, from Studio Grain d’Image which she runs with her partner Pierre-Henry Aubry, in Grande-Rue in Loches.
“The painting contains a positive message”
In addition to Madame Augustine, several local artisans had contributed directly or indirectly to the composition of the photograph named The Poison and the Cure : the Ferruginous Taxidermists, Nathalie Brusini, the Nérola beauty institute, etc.
“This photograph required six months of research and preparation, the creation of a set, a dress and various accessories”agrees Sandrine Gaumot.
The photographic painting is intended to be sold at auction for the Cancérologie du Center association (Cancen) but the discussions have not yet concluded, particularly with the auctioneers. “Sponsorships are still in progress”slips Sandrine Gaumot.
“This work is dedicated to my mother, who died on the night of November 11, 2023 from breast cancer. She was not detected in time, says Sandrine Gaumot. During his treatment, we were able to see to what extent the resources of hospitals in our territories to accommodate a growing number of patients are not sufficient. »
The approach is nonetheless optimistic. “The painting contains a positive message: it presents a young woman in the guise of Agnès Sorel. Suffering from cancer, detected in time, this young person saved her life and her breast. She holds a caduceus in her hands. Today it is still between heaven and earth, as it is subject to regular examinations. My sister and I must also remain vigilant, as, unfortunately, a very large number of people do.”confides Sandrine Gaumot.
Sandrine Gaumot before the National Assembly, Monday September 30, 2024.
© Photo Sandrine Gaumot
Yaël Braun-Pivet touched by the photo
“During his exhibition during the European Crafts Days at the Troglo farm in Loches, in April 2024, MP Henri Alfandari was touched by our project. He spoke about it to the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, who found our original photograph, agreed to open the doors of the Palais Bourbon to us so that the photo could be presented to all the deputies in order to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and fight against cancer. We are proud since it is the one and only work present in this place”explains Sandrine Gaumot.
The work is located not far from the Salon des Mariannes and the library of the National Assembly. It is visible until October 17.
From this date, photography will go to Orléans where its authors will receive the Coup de cœur prize from the Regional Arts Fair.
