ST. GENEVIEVE AT PARIS (PANTHEON)

WIENER, Jacques: France, 1858, Silver, 59 mm
Obv: View of exterior    EGLISE STE GENEVIEVE (PANTHEON) A PARIS
Exergue: COMMENCEE EN 1758 J. G. SOUFFLOT ARCHIT: 
Rev: View of interior
Signed: J. WIENER F. / J. WIENER F. BRUSSELS 1858
Rare in silver
Ref: Van Hoydonck 159 (listed in bronze, not in silver); Eidlitz 161/957 (listed in bronze, not in silver); Reinecke 41 (listed in bronze, not in silver); Ross M211; Weiss BW401

The church of St. Genevieve, more generally known as the Pantheon, is an imposing domed building in Paris, originally intended as a church and built in the form of a Greek cross. Its facade is adorned with Corinthian pillars. Inside are pictures and mosaics representing scenes of French history. Begun in 1757, it was secularized during the Revolution and dedicated to the memory of great Frenchman. During the 19th century it was several times reconsecrated and resecularized.
The architect of this church, Jacques Germain Soufflot (1709-1780), was influential in the architectural development of major cities in France, including Lyon and Paris. His most famous work is the church of St. Genevieve in Paris, which was commissioned by Louis XV. Soufflot also made several important additions to the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.

Pantheon in 1795

View of Interior

Tomb and statue of Voltaire

Fresco by Antoine-Jean Gros

Biography of Soufflot 

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