Victor Noir’s grave, located in Père-Lachaise cemetery, features a bronze statue created by Patrick Magaud in 1984. While Noir was a journalist, he is perhaps more renowned for his tragic demise and the unique design of his grave. The statue depicts Noir lying down, as if he had just been shot. Over time, the statue has become associated with fertility beliefs. According to popular lore, those who kiss the statue on the lips, leave a flower in Victor’s hat, and rub the genital area may experience enhanced fertility, a fulfilling love life, or find a spouse within a year. The lips and trousers’ bulge on the grave exhibit noticeable shine due to the frequent kissing and rubbing by visitors. In 2004, a fence was erected around the grave to discourage touching, particularly by women. However, due to public protests, the fence was eventually removerd.
Noir was tragically shot and killed by Prince Pierre Bonaparte, a cousin of the French Emperor Napoleon III (r. 1852-1870). Noir’s untimely demise transformed him into a symbol of opposition against the imperial regime. Interestingly, his final resting place in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris has evolved into a symbol of fertility.
Women on Victor Nior’s Grave
After a century of regular joyrides, even the famous burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese had a turn at riding Victor Noir’s tomb. As a result, his lips and groin have acquired a shiny, nickel-clean appearance, while the rest of his body has developed a greenish hue from oxidized bronze. It’s truly fascinating to witness the effects of time on this unique monument.
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