Atlantes Engainés – Head Office of the French cooks’ benefit society
Les Atlantes Engainés are two sculptures that adorn the entrance porch of No. 45, Rue Saint-Roch.
The architect Bruno Pélissier drew the plans for this building in 1917, during the First World War, for the Mutual Aid and Retirement Society of Parisian Cooks.
This institution, originally founded in 1840, has since become the mutual association known as Les Cuisiniers de France – Chefs of France.
Located in the immediate vicinity of the Saint-Roch Church, this building continues to house the association’s headquarters.
The lavishy ornamented facade is not merely opulent; it is laden with symbolism, reflecting the values of respectability prevalent at the time of its construction.
In Greek mythology, the Atlanteans were ancient Titans, colossal beings born of Gaia, goddess of the Earth, and Uranus, god of the Sky, predating even the Olympian gods.
Atlas, their leader, incited rebellion against Zeus, which resulted in his being condemned to eternally bear the weight of the celestial sphere on his shoulders.
In classical architecture, the Atlanteans are depicted as figures, standing or kneeling, supporting various structures.
The Atlantes Engainés are indeed kneeling to support the central balcony above the portico.
One of the figures embodies youth, represented with the features of a young man to symbolise the golden age of knowledge.
The other, with a beard, symbolises middle age, and therefore retirement. Both are depicted bare-chested, with the lower part of their bodies wrapped in sheaths (gaines), hence their nickname of Sheathed Atlantes.
Lavish oak garlands decoration
The lavish oak garlands, symbolising both opulence and security, elegantly drape the Atlantes’ sheaths and wrap around the central medallion bearing the association’s name.
This ostentatious, shrubby motif adorns the entire facade, as well as the balconies on the upper floors, lending the building a grandiose style.
Undeniably extravagant and striking, the craftsmanship is truly remarkable!
However, while the architect’s name is known, the identity of the sculptor or sculptors remains a mystery.
It seems likely, though, that the two Atlantes Engainés are the work of a single sculptor, as the statues present striking similarities.
Directions: 1st district
Metro: Pyramides on Lines 7 and 14
Coordinates: Lat 48.866549 – Long 2.332928
