The National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) organized a press conference yesterday, Wednesday, to take stock of the discoveries at Notre-Dame.
The Art Tribune was not invited and discovered it via a tweet from this institution. It is true that this is a file that we hardly talk about, so they probably did not think about it… Unless, more likely, they were afraid that we would ask indiscreet questions about the non-continuation of the excavations of the rood screen in the choir (see the article)? Or about the destruction caused by the need to speed up the work (see the article)?
- 1. One of the two lead sarcophagi found in the excavations of the crossing of
transept of Notre-Dame, one of which is said to contain the remains of Joachim du Bellay
Photo: Didier Rykner (March 25, 2022)
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See the image in its page
In any case, INRAP has found a trivial subject that is causing a lot of talk in the newspapers: the possible discovery of the coffin of Joachim du Bellay (ill. 1) ! A fragile hypothesis that becomes for many an absolute certainty and that triggers a passion that is not far from fetishism.
Because even if that were the case (and again, it is far from certain as scientists recognize), what would be the real interest? To prove that Joachim du Bellay is indeed dead? We had some clues on this subject.
To prove that he was a horseman (he was not the only one at that time)? That he died as was thought? That he was indeed buried in the cathedral (not in the place where he was found, but that is a detail of course)? No, since these are the criteria that led to the conclusion that, unless I am mistaken, it could probably be the body of Joachim du Bellay.
Let us assume for a moment that this information is correct and that it is indeed him. What would we learn from it? Where does this rage come from to extract famous figures from history from their final resting place? [1] ? Cemeteries are full of them. That this could interest historians to deduce some lessons from the study of the body, why not? [2]but this is something quite different. We are not far from false science, where hypotheses become certainties and facts no longer have any importance.
- 2. Two fragments of sculptures from the rood screen of Notre-Dame (early 13th century) found during excavations of the transept crossing
Photo: Didier Rykner
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See the image in its page
On the other hand, proving another hypothesis widely shared by archaeologists and historians, that of the presence in unexcavated areas on the side of the choir of the remains of the rood screen (ill. 2) not yet discovered, will not be possible. The 13th century sculptures will remain buried, so as not to upset the President of the Republic who demanded the ” reconstruction » of the cathedral for the year 2024. A « reconstruction ” – in reality of course a restoration – which will not actually be completed on December 8, but is expected to continue until 2030.
As we have written and said on several occasions, nothing would prevent us from continuing these archaeological excavations for a few months by temporarily moving the altar towards the nave and closing the area to visitors who could, nevertheless, have followed the progress of the research behind transparent partitions.
Educating visitors by showing them an archaeological site in a religious building, finding extraordinary sculptures that would enrich French heritage? As the previous minister explained: ” this is not a subject “! Better to distract the French with the supposed remains of Joachim du Bellay.
The poet and the rood screen. This could have made a nice fable for La Fontaine.
