Notre-Dame de Paris After the Fire – A Photographic Tribute
A suspended moment, captured the day after a heritage tragedy. This photograph of Notre-Dame de Paris, taken on April 16, 2019, bears witness to the resilience of a wounded symbol scorched by flames.
Notre-Dame de Paris the Day After the Fire
On April 16, 2019, the day after the devastating fire that destroyed the wooden roof structure of Notre-Dame de Paris, I photographed the cathedral from the Pont de la Tournelle. In this image, the iconic structure on the Île de la Cité appears scarred by flames, wrapped in a partially charred scaffold.
This historic moment, captured in soft grey light, highlights the strength of Gothic architecture, still standing despite the damage. The absence of Viollet-le-Duc’s spire, which collapsed the day before, heightens the emotion of this solemn and silent scene.
The cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a powerful symbol of French history and culture. This visual testimony pays homage to the resilience of a monument filled with meaning, at the heart of Paris.
About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a photographer of architecture and urban landscapes. His work explores the marks of time on iconic places and the silent emotions they convey — balancing documentary insight with artistic vision.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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