While Jules Dalau certainly deserves his reputation as a good sculptor and the homage he got from Rodin, what he is most famous for is his grave slab scupture of the journalist Victor Noir. Shot and killed in a duel with Prince Pierre Bonaparte in 1870, Mr. Noir is much better known for his tomb than anything he ever did in life. It is thought to bring sexual good luck and prowess to kiss the face and/or touch was is widely regarded as the biggest trouser snake in Pere Lachaise cemetery. The next time I'm in Paris I think I'll stop by.
It really is quite extraordinary to view in person, although I did not know of the tale behind it! Lol.
ReplyDeleteNow you know, lol.
Delete