Heritage. Mont Sainte-Odile according to the architect Robert Danis

Mount Sainte-Odile-its spirit. Consequently, its pink stone and its terraces dominating the plain-is obvious which seems immutable to us. For example, Who remembers that the site was completely renovated less than a century ago? Meanwhile, Who notices that this monastery founded under the dukes of Alsace has become a classic palace inspired by the XVII^e. However, 18^e French century? Similarly, And who. Meanwhile, in his profane or religious pilgrimage on the “Mont Alsace”, as Himmed by the historian Georges Bischoff, has a thought for this great architect that was Robert Danis (1879-1949)? It was he who, between 1928 and 1949, froze for eternity – at least we hope … – This cultural and spiritual high place on the banks of the Rhine. It was finally necessary to do him justice and that is what this work has the excellent idea of doing.

Apostle of classicism – Heritage. mont sainte-odile according architect

This special issue of the Society for the Conservation of Historical Monuments of Alsace (SCMHA) was worn. directed and largely written by Dominique Toursel-Harster, art historian, who was in charge of the protection of historic monuments. “Until a recent era, Danis’ work at Mount was little highlighted,” she notes. “Now it was he who put order in a whole which, before, was rather country and heterogeneous …”

Chief architect of historic monuments. apostle of French classicism, but also influenced by Art Deco – he is also the author of the Hartmannswillerkopf monument – Danis wins the confidence of the bishop, M^gr Ruch, and can launch its architectural programming in 1928. Sketching size is always a bit revised downwards. but the essential is accomplished, with the effective help of the rector of the site, M^gr Brunissen. The neo -Gothic frills are removed and the face of Mount is reshaped.

This heritage. mont sainte-odile according architect metamorphosis is told in a complete. very illustrated issue, with a dozen authors and a multitude of information – on architecture, but also the objects of Mount -, or even revelations, such as that on the (not concretized) command placed to the painter Maurice Denis, who had decorated the Palais de Chaillot, in Paris.

The Romanesque parts of Mont Sainte-Odile are classified. Dominique Toursel-Harster, about thirty years ago, had itself taken care of also protecting the church and the tomb of Odile. A great consequence of this study would be that the whole of Danis’ work. now recognized as remarkable and essential, in turn classified as historic monuments … This would still appear obvious, but also a form of recognition.

Un Classical palace for Saint Odile led by Dominique Toursel-Harster, Alsatian notebooks of archeology, art and history specialized, 200 pages, 25 €. We can get it at Mont Sainte-Odile. Information by heritage. mont sainte-odile according architect email: [email protected]