THE PAINTED PILLARS OF SAINT GERMAIN DES PRES

The Abbey of Saint Germain des Prés is one of the oldest churches in Paris with a bell tower dating from 990 AD.  Romanesque pillars, Gothic architecture, and Classical additions are made cohesive through striking patterns painted throughout.  The ceiling of gold stars is 17th century and it is unclear if the painted pillars are from this time or a 19th century addition by Hippolyte Flandrin (one of Ingre's pupils), who got the contract to created extensive frescos and stained glass designs during restoration after damage from the revolution.  Regardless, it looks like more restoration is on the way and I'm happy to have seen these pillars in their current grimy state.  They look to me like a good idea for men's leggings, circa 1590 or perhaps 2021.