Le génie du mal, Religious marble statue in Saint Paul Cathedral, Liège, Belgium
Description
Le génie du mal is a white marble sculpture inside Saint Paul Cathedral in Liège, showing a seated male figure with outstretched wings. The figure sits beneath the pulpit, between two staircases in the rear section of the cathedral nave.
History
Guillaume Geefs carved this work in 1848 after church leaders ordered the removal of an earlier work by his brother Joseph. The decision came because the first sculpture was considered too seductive in its portrayal.
Culture
The figure wears bat wings and chains, while a bitten apple rests at the base, making the Christian story of a fallen angel visible. Visitors find the sculpture directly beneath the pulpit, where it reinforces the church message of sin and redemption.
Practical
The sculpture stands freely accessible inside the cathedral and can be viewed during regular opening hours of the church. The white marble material reflects light from the church windows, making surface details particularly clear.
Did you know?
A single tear drop was carved by the sculptor onto the face of the figure, giving the marble an expression of regret. The work replaces an earlier version that was considered too attractive for a demon and therefore could not remain in the church.
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