World
Fire Breaks Out at Rouen Cathedral, Inspiring Monet
A devastating fire erupts at Rouen Cathedral, a source of inspiration for artist Monet. Explore the impact of the blaze on this iconic landmark and its connection to art history.
A tarp covering the spire of the historic Notre-Dame de Rouen cathedral in France, famously captured by artist Claude Monet, caught fire on Thursday morning, according to city officials.
The cathedral, located about 70 miles northwest of Paris, was swiftly evacuated and emergency services were dispatched to the scene, as per local authorities.
Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol stated on social media that all public resources were being utilized to combat the fire, the cause of which remains unknown.
Caroline Dutarte, an official in Rouen, confirmed that only the tarp covering the cathedral’s spire was affected by the fire, noting that the situation was under control. The tarp had been in place due to ongoing renovation work at the cathedral.
“There seems to be minimal damage and, fortunately, no injuries have been reported,” said Ms. Dutarte.
Claude Monet famously painted the Rouen cathedral over 30 times in the early 1890s, capturing its facade from various perspectives and lighting conditions, as documented by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
This is a developing story.
Ségolène Le Stradic contributed reporting from Paris.