La petite expo #6 : “Bleu, Rouge et Or : les vitraux de Danièle Perré pour l’église Saint-Jean”

The reconstruction of Caen (1946-1963) included in its program the safeguarding of the heritage spared by the bombs, but also opened up a cycle of artistic commissions that continued into the 1970s, providing the city with the treasures of a new heritage. Against this backdrop, stained glass is an often overlooked example of the last surges of religious art, between figuration and modernity.

The work by Danièle Perré (b. 1924) was commissioned by the Monuments Historiques administration for the restoration of Saint-Jean church (Jean Merlet, chief architect), with the strong support of Caen mayor Jean-Marie Louvel (1959-1970). The artist designed 26 cartoons after drawing over 300 models. The stained glass windows were created by the studio of Pierre Gaudin (Paris, 1908-1973). The studio collection acquired by the Musée de Normandie provides a glimpse into the creative process, and invites us to look up, all over town, at the revelations of this art of color.

Musée de Normandie - Logis du Gouverneur, in the last room of the permanent tour. Access included in your admission ticket.