La Femme Loire

A petition has been launched to stop the projected construction of the Loire Woman ("La Femme Loire"), a gigantic statue created by sculptor Michel Audiard, on an historic site behind the trees and above the ruins of the Marmoutier Abby in the city of Tours (Indre-et-Loire).

The colossal dimensions (40 X 17 meters), the indifference of the diocese, the manner in which the "artist" was allowed to acquire the land (through a long-term lease of 50 years, similar to those long-term leases given to Muslims for the building of mosques) have all resulted in outpourings of anger and frustration at this latest assault on France's religious heritage, not to mention the question of good taste.

Here are some excerpts from an article in France-Soir:

"Imagine a statue of such size depicting a lascivious nude woman, breasts sticking up, in a holy place above the ruins of an ancient abby. It's difficult," admits Lionel Béjeau, one of the first signers of the petition, and president of the Vivre-Ensemble (Living Together) committee of Sainte-Radegonde.

Pierre Cappelaere, coordinator of the Institution Marmoutier, a private Catholic school, built within the enclosed space of the abby, regrets not having been warned. "The problem is that the location of the statue conflicts with the history of the site, the first European monastery, founded by Saint Martin and classified as an historical monument. Why doesn't he have his exhibit at the Salon of Erotic Art!"

The controversy has not spared the political arena. Pascal Ménage of Sarkozy's UMP party is sorry the lease was granted to the artist. Christophe Rossignol of the Green Party wants proof that there will be no landslide as a result of the construction. The Socialist mayor of Tours, Jean Germain, argues that the site is safe. The height was calculated so as not to go beyond the trees on the hill. And security will be taken care of.

As for Michel Audiard, he couldn't care less about criticisms from his detractors, that he labels a "tissue of idiocies. I will write an open letter and answer them point by point with humor. It's great publicity in any case!" And there isn't a chance in the world that the sculptor will renounce the site, which overlooks the city and is visible from the highway.

The Loire Woman will be financed by private donations and by a 385,000 euro contribution from the sculptor himself. The construction will cost about 2 million, and should get underway before the summer and be completed in 2013. Covered in natural sand-colored resin to match the sands of the Loire river, it will have a framework made of wood, recycled cardboard, plaster and chalk. Eventually it could house exhibits and musical shows.

Note: I presume the sculptor is not related to the famous film maker of the same name. But I cannot verify this.

French readers may be interested in the article at France-Catholique, where there is a link to the petition.

Or, just click here for the petition.

The reaction of the archbishop of Tours, Monsignor Aubertin, was published in an interview in La Nouvelle République:

- What is your position on the Loire Woman at Marmoutier?

- People have been quoting me, but I have not spoken directly on this subject. There were a lot of misconceptions. First, Marmoutier is a very important place. Whenever I speak about Tours abroad, they always bring up Saint Martin. Martinian sites are more than special. And not only for backward Caths ("Cathos attardés"). Concerning Marmoutier, I believe there is a great deal to be done in the conservation and presentation of the site within the bounds of historical fidelity. I have at the very least reservations concerning Michel Audiard's project. I'm not a judge of the architecture. I had an opportunity to say so informally to the mayor of Tours. Let each one take his responsibilities. It is not for me to be the standard bearer of some opposition group."

- Do you think it is a provocation for the Church?

- I wouldn't say that. It is harmful to disinter the war hatchet. I don't want to go back to that game. Similarly, I have trouble understanding those who see in this affair an illustration of a decline if the Catholic Church. All of that seems simplistic."

In another part of the interview he is asked for his opinion on Marine Le Pen's comments concerning Muslim prayers in the streets:

- I will not create publicity over dubious remarks ("propos limites"). I refer you to the words of Benedict XVI on the occasion of World Peace Day (...) He recalls the importance of freedom of conscience and absolute respect for the right to practice one's religion. A person has the right to say who he is all the while respecting the law. You mustn't yield to provocation."

Note: It isn't clear to me what he means by provocation. Is he referring to the words of Marine Le Pen? And what does he mean by "respecting the law", when the Muslims praying in the streets are not respecting French law, but their own law?

The photo below shows the interior of the Saint Martin basilica in Tours, from Wikipedia, which also has a substantial account of the life of Saint Martin and his Marmoutier Abby. It explains the unique and critical place the abby holds in French history, and should convince anyone of the need to protect the site.


H/T: Yves Daoudal.