The Pont Neuf, Wrapped (Project for Paris)

The Pont Neuf, Wrapped (Project for Paris), 1985

The Pont Neuf, Wrapped (Project for Paris), 1985

Name/Title

The Pont Neuf, Wrapped (Project for Paris)

Entry/Object ID

2014.22.64

Description

Diptych of a plan, aerial view, and sketch for the 1985 wrapping of the famous Paris bridge, the Pont Neuf

Artwork Details

Medium

Pastel, Charcoal, Graphite, Crayon

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Christo Javacheff

Role

Artist

Artist

Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon

Role

Artist

Date made

1985

Time Period

20th Century

Notes

The artists typically worked together under the name "Christo" and later "Christo and Jeanne-Claude."

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Upper sheet (#36A)

Height

15 in

Width

64-3/4 in

Dimension Description

Lower sheet (#36B)

Height

41-3/4 in

Width

64-7/8 in

Dimension Description

Frame (#36A)

Height

15-5/8 in

Width

65-1/2 in

Dimension Description

Frame (#36B)

Height

42-1/2 in

Width

65-1/2 in

Interpretative Labels

Label

Christo and Jeanne-Claude created visually impressive, often controversial environmental installations that transformed familiar landscapes into works of art. Their monumental projects, which the artists financed through the sale of preparatory works, often took years to complete. This diptych comprises a plan, aerial view, and sketch for the 1985 wrapping of the famous Paris bridge, the Pont Neuf. The couple obtained permission to wrap the bridge with 450,000 square feet of sandstone-colored polyamide fabric after 9 years of negotiations with Paris mayor Jacques Chirac. The wrapping enhanced the sculptural quality of the historic bridge, and the color recalled the golden glow of the City of Light’s famous street lamps. It was on display for just 2 weeks before being dismantled. During that time, the Pont Neuf continued to function as a thoroughfare for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Christo y Jeanne-Claude son reconocidos por sus instalaciones visualmente impresionantes (y a menudo controversiales por su impacto en el entorno) que convertían paisajes familiares en obras de arte. Sus proyectos monumentales (que los artistas financiaban mediante la venta de bocetos) solían tomarles años. Este díptico consta del plan, la vista área y el boceto de la envoltura que se utilizó en 1985 para cubrir el famoso puente parisino, el Pont Neuf. Luego de nueve años de negociaciones con el alcalde de Paris – Jacques Chirac – la pareja obtuvo el permiso para envolver el puente con 450,000 pies cuadrados de poliamida (tela) pintada con arenisca. La envoltura realzaba el carácter escultórico del histórico puente, mientras que los colores utilizados evocaban las tonalidades doradas que desprenden los famosos faroles de la Ciudad de la Luz. La obra estuvo expuesta únicamente por dos semanas. Durante ese tiempo el puente siguió utilizándose como vía pública para autos y peatones.