Gattoni Omitted a Cross on His Poster
The controversy around France, and now, the world, is that Gattoni did not draw a cross atop the famous Parisian church, the Cathedral of Saint Louis of the Invalides.
Source: @visegrad24/X
In reality, atop the beautiful dome sits a spire with a golden cross, but in Gattoni’s rendition, it’s just a spike.
Many Wouldn’t Have Noticed the Difference
The Cathedral of Saint Louis of the Invalides in the heart of Paris is well known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and, of course, the majestic golden dome, complete with a giant cross that sits 351 feet above the ground.
Source: Wikipedia
However, because Gattoni’s artwork contains so many details, the missing cross likely went unnoticed by the majority of people. But those who know the church well immediately saw the inaccuracy.
The Cathedral Isn’t Just a Church
It’s important to understand that this cathedral isn’t an average place of worship. It was originally built in the late 1600s by then-king Louis XIV, and over the past 300 years, it has become a true sight to see.
Source: Museum de l’Armee Invalides
From museums dedicated to the French military’s conquests to the tomb of Napoleon, 15 courtyards, and stunning centuries-old baroque paintings, many agree that the Cathedral of Saint Louis of the Invalides truly represents the long-standing connection between France, its monarchy, and the Catholic Church.
Gattoni: A Traitor to France
Gilles Smadja, former chief of staff of the French Sports Ministry, gave Gattoni the benefit of the doubt, telling the press, “While it may be a voluntary error, it is serious.”
Source: Freepik
However, some are far more disappointed by Gattoni’s choice to omit the cross from the famous church. In fact, Gilbert Collard, a conservative parliamentarian, said that the artist is a “traitor guilty of the fundamental denial of France.”
France’s Complicated Relationship With the Catholic Church
It’s important to understand that for centuries, France and the Catholic Church were all but synonymous.
Source: Wikipedia
The nation was once run by a Catholic monarchy, though the monarchy was dissolved at the end of the French Revolution in 1789. Since then, the country has struggled with its connection to the religion. Some argue that France is still a Catholic nation, while others say the relationship is long gone.
France Is Taking Steps to Prove Its Secular Beliefs
In the 19th century, the Ferry laws were passed, which completely eliminated religions from the educational system in France. Though, for the past 200 years, remnants of the Catholic way of life have remained prevalent within the country’s legislation.
Source: Imgur
However, as of the start of 2024, France voted to revise the country’s constitution to make abortion a human right. A decision that obviously violates the wishes of the Catholic Church, which views abortion as completely immoral.
France’s Government Is Pulling Away From Catholic Ideologies
The vote to make abortion a constitutional right passed in parliament with 780 votes in favor versus only 72 votes to deny. Which very clearly shows that the current French government is not voting with the Catholic Church in mind.
Source: Elysee.fr
This decision made millions of French citizens absolutely thrilled, but the Catholic Church has spoken out directly against the changes, saying, “There can be no ‘right’ to take a human life.”
The Olympic Games Gave an Official Response to the Cross Controversy
Since the Olympic artwork was released shortly after the vote to make abortion a constitutional right was passed, many people in France and around the world are wondering if omitting the cross is just another way in which France is attempting to prove its secularism.
Source: Britannica
But the official response from the Olympic Games organization claims that they in no way were trying to make a political statement with the artwork.
What Does Gattoni Have to Say About the Missing Cross?
Ugo Gattoni also spoke out in response to the controversy surrounding his artwork. The illustrator told ParisMatch, “In my drawings of official posters, I do not try to represent objects or buildings as they should be.”
Source: @UgoGattoni/Facebook
He continued, “I conjure them as they appear in my mind, without any ulterior motive. I do not want them to be faithful to the original, but rather that people can imagine them at a glance. what they are, projecting them in a surreal and festive world.”
His Artwork Is Never Accurate
There are many who believe Gattoni is telling the truth, as he most often draws surreal paintings of Paris and other cityscapes that are reminiscent of reality but are in no way exact replicas.
Source: @UgoGattoni/Facebook
These supporters say that Gattoni drew a dreamlike Parisian stadium with several details that could be considered inaccurate, but none of the discrepancies were made to intentionally offend anyone.
Will Gattoni Be Forced to Add the Cross to His Olympic Games Illustration?
The contention surrounding Gattoni’s artwork and the missing cross is certainly ongoing, and what will come of it is truly anyone’s guess.
Source: Paris2024.org
There is some talk that French officials will require Gattoni to draw in the missing cross and re-release the official poster for the upcoming Olympics. But for now, that’s only a rumor.