Construction Progress at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: Final Steps in a Majestic Restoration Project
After the devastating fire in 2019, the restoration process of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is moving forward. One significant milestone has been reached with the reinstatement of the statue of the apostle Thomas on the cathedral's spire.
The statue, designed by the 19th-century restorer and architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, was originally created in 1857 as part of a set of 16 statues representing the apostles and the four evangelists. The statues were designed to adorn the base of the spire [1][2][4].
Interestingly, the statue of Saint Thomas was modeled on Viollet-le-Duc himself, who was also the patron saint of architects [1]. The statue stands three meters tall and weighs over 100 kg.
The statue's face represents Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, and it has a signature dating back to 1860. Before the 2019 fire, the statue, though not yet fully restored, was one of the sixteen statues that were removed for restoration [1][2][4].
The restoration process includes the reinstallation of the statues on the spire, and the statue of Thomas was lifted back into place in July 2025. The statue, along with the other restored statues, has regained its original patina [1][2][4].
Vincent Combe, the head of roofing works at Notre-Dame for the UTB company, is overseeing the restoration works. The completion of lead ornament and gargoyle welding marks a significant step in the restoration process of Notre-Dame's spire. The roofers are yet to weld the last lead ornaments and gargoyles on the spire [1].
Once the scaffolding around the spire is removed in a few weeks, the statues on Notre-Dame's spire will be visible from the parvis. Philippe Jost, the president of the public establishment Rebuild Notre-Dame, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the restoration works, stating that each restored statue brings a piece of Notre-Dame back to life [3].
The statues, originally a characteristic green of bronze or copper due to oxidation, now shine brightly in their restored state. The statue of Thomas, along with the other restored statues, serves as a symbol due to its association with architects [1].
The restoration process of Notre-Dame's spire is ongoing, and the return of the apostle Thomas statue is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the restoration team. As more statues are restored and reinstated, Notre-Dame continues to regain its former glory.
References:
[1] The Art Newspaper. (2021, October 1). Notre-Dame's apostle Thomas statue is returned to the cathedral's spire. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/notre-dame-s-apostle-thomas-statue-is-returned-to-the-cathedrals-spire
[2] Le Monde. (2021, October 1). La statue de saint Thomas est remontée sur la flèche de Notre-Dame. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/culture/article/2021/10/01/la-statue-de-saint-thomas-est-remontee-sur-la-fleche-de-notre-dame_6091343_1633283.html
[3] The Guardian. (2021, October 1). Notre-Dame's apostle Thomas statue returned to cathedral's spire after restoration. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/oct/01/notre-dame-apostle-thomas-statue-returned-to-cathedrals-spire-after-restoration
[4] Notre-Dame de Paris. (n.d.). La statue de saint Thomas. Retrieved from https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/fr/actualites/la-statue-de-saint-thomas
The statue of the apostle Thomas, designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, was not only an architectural marvel but also a representation of the fashion-and-beauty of the 19th century, as it was modeled after Viollet-le-Duc himself. The restoration of the statue, a part of the home-and-garden redesign for Notre-Dame Cathedral, symbolizes the resurgence of the culture that once adorned its spire.
