A majestic tree of life is making itself at home in the Sainte-Chapelle of the Château de Vincennes

Nature takes its place in the Sainte-Chapelle of the Château de Vincennes! Well, nature in a way, it's actually a tree of life created by the plastic artist Joana Vasconcelos. Covered with nearly 100,000 black, red, and gold leaves, all hand embroidered and woven in the artist's workshops, it will be installed in the heart of the monument from April 28, 2023, until September 3.

Initially scheduled from September 14, 2022, to January 15, 2023, the tree of life will finally be installed in the spring for a residence of a little over 4 months, to be discovered without further ado!

A tree of life synonymous with femininity

Portuguese artist born in Paris in 1971, Joana Vasconcelos is renowned for her monumental sculptures and her practice of art that combines traditional techniques with unconventional materials and themes. Her tree of life will undoubtedly bring a touch of nature and femininity to the Sainte-Chapelle, creating a unique and enchanting experience for visitors.

Artist Eliza Jeannette created her masterpiece, a 13-meter high Tree of Life, inspired by the history of the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes. Built in 1379, this beautiful chapel has been passed down through many sovereigns, including King Henri II. After his death in 1559, his wife, Queen Catherine de Médicis, continued to embellish the chapel that she adored and planted over 3000 elm trees there. But this Tree of Life represents more than just a tribute to the rich history of the chapel. It is also a symbol of the Renaissance period and pays homage to powerful women. Specifically, it was created especially for the Sainte-Chapelle as part of the France-Portugal 2022 Season, and it echoes the myth of Daphne, a female figure desired by Apollo. You can watch the video below to get a closer look at this magnificent creation: [embedded YouTube video] With its vibrant colors and intricate designs, the Tree of Life stands as a testament to the beauty of nature and the power of artistic expression. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of film and drawing, and serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes.And who preferred to be transformed into a tree rather than marry him. " One of the most beautiful sculptures in the world, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicts this pursuit: Apollo tries to catch her but his fingers have already started to turn into laurel leaves. What I would like to create for this piece, is the completion of this transformation, the laurel that Daphne has become and which, to be faithful to her beauty, is carefully embroidered, with lots of gilding, and shines with its own radiance. "

In the image of her other majestic creations, Joana Vasconcelos creates breathtaking artwork that tells captivating stories. Her attention to detail and use of gilding adds a touch of glamour and brilliance to her creations. This particular piece represents the transformation of Daphne into a laurel tree, a mythological tale of beauty and sacrifice. The sculpture strives to capture the movement and fluidity of the chase, as Apollo desperately reaches out for Daphne. The delicate embroidery and careful craftsmanship bring to life the intricate details of the laurel leaves, creating a sense of wonder and awe. This artwork is a true testament to Vasconcelos' skill and creativity, showcasing her ability to transform raw materials into stunning masterpieces.

Jealousy questions the status of women, but also consumer society and collective identity. By integrating everyday objects into her textile sculpture, always with irony and humor, the artist creates a connection between the domestic environment and public space and questions what craftsmanship can be in the 21st century. Great news! 1 pass = 1 year of unlimited cultural outings. For heritage lovers who want to visit this exhibition and more, the National Monuments Center offers a subscription that gives you unlimited access to over 80 monuments for only €45 per year. The Passion Monuments card also offers you 3 privileged days during which you can invite the person of your choice for free, as well as many exclusive offers: dedicated magazine, preferential rates for cultural programming and cultural partner locations, etc.

Tree of Life - Joana Vasconcelos
Sainte-Chapelle of the Château de Vincennes
2, courtyard of the Marshals - 12th arrondissement
From April 28th to September 3rd, 2023
Price: included in the entrance ticket (9.50€ or free for those under 18 years old)
More info on the website