Officials were concerned about damage to the effigy's groin area
Posted on 12/04/2005 11:20:57 AM PST by woofie
Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris has fenced off a famous tomb to prevent lewd acts being performed on a statue. The effigy of 19th Century journalist known as Victor Noir has long been popular with women visitors.
This is partly due to his reputation as a romantic figure, and partly because of the effigy's design.
Officials concerned about damage to the icon's groin area have erected a fence around the grave, and a sign prohibiting indecent rubbing.
Noir - whose real name was Yvan Salman - was killed by Pierre Bonaparte, a great-nephew of the Emperor Napoleon, after bearing him a challenge to a duel.
According to the story, he was due to get married the day after he was killed.
The statue shows Noir in a frock coat and trousers lying flat on his back, with a distinct enlargement in the groin.
The effigy has been held as an aid to love or fertility.
It is said that a woman who kisses the lips of the prostrate statue and slips a flower into the upturned top hat will find a husband by the end of the year.
The new sign warns: "Any damage caused by graffiti or indecent rubbing will be prosecuted."
Officials were concerned about damage to the effigy's groin area
I thought this was about a statue of Jim Morrison.
Art Ping
I've heard of "morning wood", but "dead wood"?
Aye,there is the rub
Yes, and Keep Off the Grass, too!
"Best you be watchin' yer phraseology there lad."
Mrs Freedomlover says that when we go overseas she wants to do some "rubbings". I may need to look into this in more detail.
John Kerry visits the grave regularly for inspiration. So does Ta-RAY-za.
No Comment!
I've heard about statues being erected but this is a bit much!
Maybe Bubba Clinton is taking notes for a future design of his own memorial?
Lucky stiff.
Well, you know, those French women could try shaving their legs and taking a bath.
That might help them get a husband.
Pere Lachaise is one of the more interesting cemetaries around, there are actually dozens and dozens of elaborate graves like this one, which along with Morrison's is probably the most notorius.
There also have a pretty interesting web site with a virtual tour:
http://www.pere-lachaise.com
Since the bronze isn't polished to a high sheen over the groin 'Rubbing For Woodies' seems to be something else the French aren't very good at.
So9
How about "Mourning Wood"...:)
I spent almost an entire day there by myself, walking around and taking photos. It's beautiful and so peaceful on a non-crowded day.
I didn't rub the bronze guy, though. Too creepy.
Clinton will probably want a memorial like that.
real name Yvan Salman? Then why not a nom de plume of Sal Bass?
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