Carved Confusion

I was part of a party that went on a brief jaunt out of Paris to see the castle at Pierrefonds, which was restored (*cough* literally just built on top of medieval ruins *cough*) by Viollet le Duc to create an Imperial residence for Napoleon III. I would do anything to ask him and his sculptor only this: why?

Despite it often being characterized as a “restoration,” the fact that le Duc was more focused on personal and national pride and creating a residence pleasing to the current Imperial regime is obvious. The castle and its decor in all of its weirdness and wonder has less to do with medieval history and is more descriptive to the work of Viollet le Duc and the reign of Napoleon III, but that does not make it less of a historical monument.

The castle did a great jobs of contextualizing the existence of the current structure, featuring an exhibit on Viollet le Duc that was very honest about the actual origins of the current structure.

In addition, the castle had an exhibit that discussed the preservation of Pierrefonds, featuring a digital game where players could identify and address possible preservation concerns for Pierrefonds by going through the proper channels and procedures. It also featured a few panels explaining how private owners of historic buildings could seek assistance in preserving their structures.

This thorough explanation of the history of the property does not make aspects of the decor that can be found there any less confusing. Viollet le Duc in pursuit of his vision did make some…questionable decisions. Don’t get me wrong, there were a few statues on the property that I really enjoyed despite (and arguably even because of) their lack of medieval realism.

For example, the lady in the courtyard with a slit in her fancy dress to show off her armour underneath casually posing with her sword was not exactly a historically accurate work of art or representation of the time period le Duc was trying to model. It was, however, super awesome.

I also enjoyed the Nine Worthies, which are rendered a bit larger than life and meant to honor ideals of courtly love. The figures depict nine different noble women modeled off of Empress Eugenie and her ladies.

However not all of the artwork on the property made sense. Some of it will haunt me.

Brace yourself for a….

Confusing Carving Personality Quiz!

Ha Ha Ha Ha!

You dont know whats coming! But it’s already too late for you!

Ha Ha Ha!

Keep track of the letter associated with each of your answers and tally them up at the end.

Question 1: Would you say overall that you experience fear?

• A: All the time
• B: I have survival instincts
• C: Sometimes it seems like I don’t
• D: Nope

Question 2: What do you consider the scariest monster?

• A: Zombies or something
• B: People who leave locks on bridges
• C: Pigeons
• D: Mankind

Question 3: How realistic should art be?

• A: Closer to a photo, the better
• B: Recognizable at least
• C: I issue creative licenses
• D: I don’t want to know what’s going on

Question 4: If aliens came to earth, what would you think?

• A: AHHHHHHH
• B: Oh. Huh. Cool.
• C: New Friends!!!
• D: Food.

Question 5: What is your Hogwarts House?

• A: Eww JK Rowling
• B: District 12
• C: On Wednesdays, we wear pink
• D: UMW HISP Department

Question 6: What is your favorite color?

• A: Blue
• B: Green
• C: Pink
• D: Orange

Mostly As: Face/Chest Man!

You like more traditional styles of art, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But life is strange. This is the best I have for you.

Mostly Bs: Abonimable Snake Woman!

You aren’t afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and that’s awesome! After all, who hasn’t ever pondered the delights of an infernal metamorphosis?

Mostly Cs: Pelican Frog Demon!

It’s clear you’re at peace with the strangeness in the world. You’ll go far in life, but you won’t go too far with your statuary. Good.

Mostly Ds: Describing this would break content restrictions!

It is your own fault you are seeing this. And perhaps a little bit mine. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Comment your quiz results below!