The iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde statue in Marseille, France, known locally as "La Bonne Mère" (The Good Mother), has begun receiving its most significant restoration in decades as skilled artisans apply over 30,000 gold leaves to restore the monument's brilliant shine for at least the next fifty years. The delicate gilding work, being carried out by craftspeople from Gohard workshops, represents one of the final phases of this historic restoration project.
Perched 220 meters above sea level and protected by an enormous tarp, the beloved statue is undergoing meticulous treatment in specially constructed workshops. "We are working at the height of the Virgin's face, in a workshop we created to work in good conditions, sheltered from wind, weather, and pollution," explains Xavier David, the architect overseeing this historic construction project. Before the statue's crown is returned via helicopter on October 17, the entire figure is being carefully covered in gold by a team of skilled artisans.
Cyrielle d'Antoni, an art restorer from the Gohard workshop, demonstrates the intricate process by gently rubbing her brush against her cheek before meticulously applying each gold leaf, beginning with the hand of the infant Jesus. This repetitive gesture creates the static electricity necessary to position the incredibly delicate leaves, which measure just one-tenth of a micron in thickness. "They are so fine that if you try to grab them with your fingers, they disintegrate," the artisan explains. Between 30,000 and 40,000 gold leaves, each measuring 8 square centimeters, will be needed to completely cover the statue.
The month of August was dedicated to extensive preparatory work, including stripping the old gilding, applying anti-corrosion treatments, and adding protective layers. The statue was first tinted with a yellow-orange color to give the gold warm reflections and restore its original brilliance. During this preparation phase, the restoration team made two surprising discoveries when they uncovered the statue's bare surface.
"Seven bullet impacts, remnants from the liberation of Marseille in August 1944, had been quickly patched up at the time. We extracted them and repaired them permanently," the architect reveals. Additionally, measurements revealed high levels of salinity, a direct consequence of the statue's constant exposure to sea winds from its prominent position overlooking the Mediterranean.
The intricate gilding process requires exceptional skill and patience. "You touch the leaf with the back of your finger, and if it sticks slightly, we say it's 'good,' 'loving,' or that it 'sings,'" explains d'Antoni. This serves as the signal to cover the surface with gold. Nothing goes to waste in this meticulous process – even the tiniest fragments called "sweepings" are recovered to fill the most difficult-to-reach corners and crevices. "Nothing is lost, everything is transformed," the artisan summarizes.
D'Antoni describes the project with evident emotion: "This is an exceptional construction site, undoubtedly one of my most beautiful projects." She will soon be joined by three of her colleagues to complete the extensive work. Under these optimal working conditions, David hopes the gilding "should last at least fifty years."
The gold application is scheduled to be completed by the end of September, followed by finishing touches in early October and the gradual dismantling of the scaffolding. On October 17, the crown will return to its place at the top of the statue via helicopter transport. Finally, La Bonne Mère is expected to be unveiled in all her restored splendor to the public on December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception, marking the completion of this remarkable restoration project that has preserved both the statue's historical significance and its role as a beloved symbol of Marseille.
