Christo, The Pont Neuf Wrapped, 1985

Conceived in 1975, this project for the Pont-Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, marks Christo and Jeanne-Claude's last proposal to wrap an extant structure. After obtaining the approval of both the mayor of Paris and the president of France, the artists and 300 workers began wrapping the bridge on 16 September 1985 with a golden sandstone fabric. With the exception of the roadway, the entire surface was covered with 454,178 square feet of the woven polyamide material. The drapes and folds of fabric softened and transformed the Pont-Neuf, while terracotta-colored polypropylene rope accentuated its proportions. The result recalled a series of caryatids, or classical draped statuary. Witnessed by three million visitors before its removal on 5 October, the project has been considered the most sculptural of the Christos' monumental works. I was fortunate to have been in Paris, and walking along the Seine with my trusty Canon F-1, when I noticed the final touches being added to this project. I returned again the the next day, and was able to spot Christo and Jean Claude being interviewed by some media on a barge in the river, near the bridge.