Paris in the autumn is truly an infinite world to explore, especially when you take the time to play the flâneur / flâneuse. It's how P'Niche herself stumbled across the sublime (and subtly) Angel de Turbigo, that large architectural relief - or was it a caryatid? Honestly, the debate is still out on that one...
We've become passionate about learning and sharing the many artistic nuances of Parisian architecture. Today, let's take a P'Niche peek at one of the more charming of these - the mascarons...
Wait, wait, wait - you mean macaron, like the sweet treat? Nope!
Put simply, a mascaron is a piece of purely ornamental architectural flare. Most often, it is depicted as a human face, but has also been seen top be a terrifying chimeric, which we briefly covered in our post about the gargoyles of Paris. These chimeric types would be said to ward off evil spirits, so that they'd not be able to enter or inhabit your space.
And they "watch over us" to this day...
We'd have to get back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when the Mascarons were first used.
Again, mainly for decoration (or the occasional spiritual assistance), they still add an aspect of charm, whimsy, wonder, and character to Paris' many facades.
Paris, like any woman, knows how to accessorize, after all!
The funny thing about these mascarons, it that once you have noticed them, you "can't unsee" them and much like a favorite cafe or hotspot, you find your very favorite, that you return to over and over again - even if it is just the friendly creature greeting you as you enter your own doorway...
As the use of mascarons moved into the Baroque times, they were feature on more than doors, now decorating door handles, keyholes, cartouches, windows, etc.)
Construction of le Pont Neuf (ironically Paris' oldest bridge, despite the moniker) began in 1578, when Henri III laid the main foundation stone. There was a pause on construction due to the Wars of Religion, but it was completed by Henri IV and inaugurated in 1607 and can be seen to be decorated with 381 unique mascarons - each depicting the various divinities from classical mythology. It's truly a wonder to behold.
In fact, while the original mascarons of le Pont Neuf are attributed to Monsieur Germain Pilon (a French Renaissance sculptor), and date back, of course to the late 16th century and the bridges construction.
However, these original mascarons were removed from the bridge in 1850 as the bridge was rebuilt from 1851-1854.
Those originals have moved just a little further away from the Seine to the Carnavalet Museum, which displays the stunning history of Paris. More on this museum soon, so we hope you will subscribe to join us back here in the Parisian Niche.
Some mascarons made their way to the enchanting Château d’Écouen, about 20 kilometers north of Paris.
Moving forward in time to the Beaux-Arts period, we find several stunning mascarons adorning le Pont Alexandre III (arguably the most beautiful bridge in Paris - just ask all the Insta-models and influencers).
The bridge is named after Tzar Alexander III of Russia and his Franco-Russian Alliance. It was built between 1896-1900 (just in time for the Exposition).
The bridge is flanked by winged horses on both sides, and also portrays a stunning array of cherubs, nymphs and glorious art nouveau lamps. The view of the Eiffel Tower from the bridge isn't to bad either!
Now that you are more familiar with these artistic ornaments, you'll find that these typically friendly visages will watch over and guide you through your Parisian journeys - instilling smiles, fears, cheers, and a host of emotions as you walk through the city's medieval cobblestone paths.
As we said, you will find your favorite, forge a kindred friendship, and secure a safe space, where you can come over and over again to whisper your Parisian tales (and maybe even get some advice).
Seems more fun than GPS maps giving advice any day, if you ask us!
Ok, P'Nicher, are you now looking and exploring in hopes to meet your new favorite mascaron? Perhaps you already have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
Thank you for pointing out a mascaron is a piece of purely ornamental architectural flare and not a cookie! I love those guys on Pont Neuf. Merci!