A star of David, a swastika, or even the famous anti-Semitic inscription “Who? »That we see in some anti-health pass demonstrations… The work of art The three beautiful balloons, by the sculptor artist Philippe Berry – who died in 2019, and brother of the actor Richard Berry – was found covered with Nazi and anti-Semitic inscriptions, on the forecourt of the cathedral of Saint-Bertrand de Comminges (Haute-Garonne) where she is exposed,
reveals La Dépêche du Midi.
The work “The three beautiful balloons” by the artist sculptor Philippe Berry, property of the Departmental Council of @HauteGaronne and exposed on the north terrace of the cathedral of Saint-Bertrand de Comminges, has been degraded by engravings representing in particular a swastika pic.twitter.com/nxECMHOfPC
– Georges Méric (@GeorgesMeric) August 11, 2021
The Haute-Garonne departmental council, owner of the work, lodged a complaint. “I strongly condemn this shocking act which uses Nazi symbols that have no place in our democracy. The deleterious climate that we have seen set in for several weeks is intolerable and goes against the peaceful debate, essential to overcome this crisis and guarantee the cohesion of our Nation ”reacted the president of the departmental council, Georges Méric.
I condemn this degradation of a common cultural asset and I denounce the resurgence of anti-Semitism in our country, a scourge which calls for a relentless fight by any Republican.https://t.co/c58IU2y56U
– Carole Delga (@CaroleDelga) August 11, 2021
“Resurgence of anti-Semitism”
The president of the regional council of Occitanie Carole Delga also condemned this degradation, and “denounces the resurgence of anti-Semitism in our country, a scourge which calls for a relentless fight of any Republican. “
Pending the outcome of the investigation entrusted to the Saint-Gaudens gendarmerie company, the bronze work was temporarily covered with cardboard and cellophane protection.