It is a departure that saddens the inhabitants of the city of Moulins (Allier).
In a few days, on November 8 or 9, the "Triptych of the Master of Moulins", a masterpiece produced at the end of the Middle Ages and attributed to the painter Jean Hey, will leave the sacristy of the bishops of the cathedral.
The work, painted in 1502 and which belongs to the State, must be completely restored in the laboratories of the C2RMF in Paris, the Center for Research and Restoration of the Museums of France.
And this departure stirs the inhabitants of Moulins who are worried about never seeing their painting again.
"For a very long time, the inhabitants of Moulins have been afraid that their work will be stolen from them, since it has a very important place in their hearts", confides Father Herbach, rector of the cathedral of Moulins.
“The Mona Lisa can go get dressed!
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This feeling of insecurity is justified by the fact that it is an exceptional painting.
“It is the jewel of Moulins, the most famous work in the department and perhaps even in the region!
says the ecclesiastic who has been close to the Triptych since his earliest childhood.
“When you face her, you say to yourself that the Mona Lisa can go get dressed!
The face of this Virgin is so fascinating, it is extremely rare to concentrate so many qualities in one look.
People are very fond of praying in front of her.
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And since the announcement of his departure, particularly in recent days, they have been scrambling to say goodbye to him.
“I expect that on the day of his abduction, there will be a lot of people,” continues Father Herbach.
Usually, between 12,000 and 14,000 visitors, believers or not, come each year to contemplate the mysterious canvas.
Two years of work will be needed to bring the “Triptych of the Master of Moulins”, a victim of time, back to its original state.
Once restored, the Louvre Museum would like to make it the centerpiece of an exhibition dedicated to Jean Hey, before his return to Allier in 2024.