Culture & Conversation: Rebâtir Notre-Dame with Christophe Besnier
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Dallas College |
Join the Alliance Française de Dallas for a fascinating evening of culture, history, and conversation with French archaeologist Christophe
Besnier, one of the lead researchers involved in the archaeological excavations at Notre-Dame de Paris following the 2019 fire.
Christophe Besnier is a research director at the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) and a specialist in medieval and urban archaeology. After studying at the Sorbonne and leading numerous excavations across Île-de-France, his career took a pivotal turn when he was called to direct archaeological operations inside Notre-Dame itself during the restoration process.
Between February and July 2022, Besnier led an exceptional excavation at the crossing of the cathedral’s transept, uncovering an extraordinary range of discoveries beneath the heart of Notre-Dame. These included ancient floor levels dating back to the 1st century, remains of buildings that predate the Gothic cathedral, and numerous funerary sites—among them lead sarcophagi belonging to high-ranking dignitaries.
Most remarkable, however, was the discovery of more than 1,000 fragments of 13th-century polychrome sculptures, once part of Notre-Dame’s medieval rood screen—an artistic and architectural masterpiece thought to have been lost forever after its dismantling in the 18th century. This groundbreaking find has since inspired a major multidisciplinary research program coordinated by Besnier.
During this talk and discussion, Christophe Besnier will share insights into these discoveries, the archaeological process behind them, and how the rebuilding of Notre-Dame has transformed our understanding of the cathedral’s history.
The presentation will be delivered in French, with live English translation provided by Valentine Legras, making this event accessible to both French speakers and non-speakers alike.
This event is part of our Conversation & Culture Series, offering a unique opportunity to engage with a leading French scholar and explore the deep historical layers of one of the world’s most iconic monuments.
All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.
Christophe Besnier is a research director at the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) and a specialist in medieval and urban archaeology. After studying at the Sorbonne and leading numerous excavations across Île-de-France, his career took a pivotal turn when he was called to direct archaeological operations inside Notre-Dame itself during the restoration process.
Between February and July 2022, Besnier led an exceptional excavation at the crossing of the cathedral’s transept, uncovering an extraordinary range of discoveries beneath the heart of Notre-Dame. These included ancient floor levels dating back to the 1st century, remains of buildings that predate the Gothic cathedral, and numerous funerary sites—among them lead sarcophagi belonging to high-ranking dignitaries.
Most remarkable, however, was the discovery of more than 1,000 fragments of 13th-century polychrome sculptures, once part of Notre-Dame’s medieval rood screen—an artistic and architectural masterpiece thought to have been lost forever after its dismantling in the 18th century. This groundbreaking find has since inspired a major multidisciplinary research program coordinated by Besnier.
During this talk and discussion, Christophe Besnier will share insights into these discoveries, the archaeological process behind them, and how the rebuilding of Notre-Dame has transformed our understanding of the cathedral’s history.
The presentation will be delivered in French, with live English translation provided by Valentine Legras, making this event accessible to both French speakers and non-speakers alike.
This event is part of our Conversation & Culture Series, offering a unique opportunity to engage with a leading French scholar and explore the deep historical layers of one of the world’s most iconic monuments.
All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.
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