PBA Galleries

Vintage silver photograph of Notre Dame in Paris with sandbags being placed in front of the facade. 7¼x6.

With two rubberstamps of the photographer on the reverse, same wording but different sizes, "Prière de mentionner: Photo Laure Albin Guillot"; titled in pencil on the reverse. Historically significant, and artistic, photograph by the French photographer who is perhaps most noted for her portraits and nudes. With the beginning of World War II, and the threat from German aircraft and troops, the French government sought to give some measure of protection to its beloved historical landmarks. The sandbagging of the most famous of all Parisian cathedrals, Notre Dame, combines the sublime artistry of the Gothic architecture with the ominous threat of war.