Could one of the most extraordinary feats of medieval metalworking have been forged with the help of the devil? The ironwork on the side doors of Notre-Dame Cathedral, attributed to Biscornet, has sparked centuries of fascination and superstition.
By Lorris Chevalier
The ironwork on the side doors of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is renowned as one of the most extraordinary feats of medieval metalworking. This intricate work, attributed to the 14th-century blacksmith Biscornet, is so impressive that legends have long surrounded its creation. With nearly every inch of the wooden doors covered in scrolling iron patterns and floral motifs, some believed this level of craftsmanship was only possible through supernatural means—a pact with the devil himself.
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A Medieval Marvel and the Legend of Biscornet
In the Middle Ages, the iron scrollwork on Notre-Dame’s doors was so intricate that people assumed it couldn’t have been forged by human hands. While most metalwork at the time was cast or molded, the iron on these doors was wrought, meaning that Biscornet would have had to heat and hammer the metal repeatedly to achieve the elaborate floral and spiral designs. The scale of the work was unprecedented, requiring a forge capable of heating large iron pieces consistently. Yet, the forges in medieval Paris, even those in prestigious workshops, would have been too small for a task of this magnitude.
Photo by John Donges / Flickr
This technical mystery spurred the legend of Biscornet’s diabolical pact. According to the tale, as the cathedral neared completion, Biscornet, a young blacksmith with limited time, struggled with the task. Overcome by the pressure of the task, Biscornet accepted a pact with the devil, who agreed to finish the work in exchange for his soul. One night, while he rested, the devil completed the ironwork, and the result was breathtaking.
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But there was a twist: on the day of Notre-Dame’s inauguration in 1345, the doors refused to open. Only after being sprinkled with holy water did they finally swing open, confirming the mysterious forces at play. Biscornet himself vanished shortly after, and rumors of his pact persisted, particularly as his name (derived from the French word corne, meaning “horn”) suggests the presence of horns, an allusion to the devil.
Symbolism and Superstition in the Architecture
The legend of Biscornet extends beyond the ironwork itself. The iron decorations are only found on the side doors, not the central one facing the sanctuary—a space traditionally viewed as holier. Superstitious medieval Parisians attributed this absence to the devil’s inability to claim space before the altar, especially one involved in the Holy Sacrament’s processions. As a result, these side doors became known as the “Devil’s Doors,” warding off any future attempts to add ironwork to the central entrance.
In the 19th century, master blacksmith Pierre Boulanger was commissioned as part of Viollet-le-Duc’s cathedral restoration. Tasked with recreating Biscornet’s work, Boulanger spent twelve years perfecting the technique, crafting ten pieces and using over 500 kilograms of iron. Proud of his accomplishment, Boulanger left his signature on the back of each panel as a testament to his skill. However, despite having modern techniques and resources unavailable to Biscornet, Boulanger’s ironwork is distinct, underscoring how different 19th-century ironworking was from that of the 14th century.
While Boulanger’s work honors the artistry of his medieval predecessor, the secrets behind Biscornet’s techniques remain unsolved, keeping the legend alive. Today, Notre-Dame’s doors serve not only as remarkable examples of medieval metalwork but also as reminders of the mystique and superstition that surrounded artistic achievement in a bygone era.
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Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon.
Could one of the most extraordinary feats of medieval metalworking have been forged with the help of the devil? The ironwork on the side doors of Notre-Dame Cathedral, attributed to Biscornet, has sparked centuries of fascination and superstition.
By Lorris Chevalier
The ironwork on the side doors of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is renowned as one of the most extraordinary feats of medieval metalworking. This intricate work, attributed to the 14th-century blacksmith Biscornet, is so impressive that legends have long surrounded its creation. With nearly every inch of the wooden doors covered in scrolling iron patterns and floral motifs, some believed this level of craftsmanship was only possible through supernatural means—a pact with the devil himself.
A Medieval Marvel and the Legend of Biscornet
In the Middle Ages, the iron scrollwork on Notre-Dame’s doors was so intricate that people assumed it couldn’t have been forged by human hands. While most metalwork at the time was cast or molded, the iron on these doors was wrought, meaning that Biscornet would have had to heat and hammer the metal repeatedly to achieve the elaborate floral and spiral designs. The scale of the work was unprecedented, requiring a forge capable of heating large iron pieces consistently. Yet, the forges in medieval Paris, even those in prestigious workshops, would have been too small for a task of this magnitude.
This technical mystery spurred the legend of Biscornet’s diabolical pact. According to the tale, as the cathedral neared completion, Biscornet, a young blacksmith with limited time, struggled with the task. Overcome by the pressure of the task, Biscornet accepted a pact with the devil, who agreed to finish the work in exchange for his soul. One night, while he rested, the devil completed the ironwork, and the result was breathtaking.
But there was a twist: on the day of Notre-Dame’s inauguration in 1345, the doors refused to open. Only after being sprinkled with holy water did they finally swing open, confirming the mysterious forces at play. Biscornet himself vanished shortly after, and rumors of his pact persisted, particularly as his name (derived from the French word corne, meaning “horn”) suggests the presence of horns, an allusion to the devil.
Symbolism and Superstition in the Architecture
The legend of Biscornet extends beyond the ironwork itself. The iron decorations are only found on the side doors, not the central one facing the sanctuary—a space traditionally viewed as holier. Superstitious medieval Parisians attributed this absence to the devil’s inability to claim space before the altar, especially one involved in the Holy Sacrament’s processions. As a result, these side doors became known as the “Devil’s Doors,” warding off any future attempts to add ironwork to the central entrance.
19th-Century Renovations: A New Ironwork Mystery
In the 19th century, master blacksmith Pierre Boulanger was commissioned as part of Viollet-le-Duc’s cathedral restoration. Tasked with recreating Biscornet’s work, Boulanger spent twelve years perfecting the technique, crafting ten pieces and using over 500 kilograms of iron. Proud of his accomplishment, Boulanger left his signature on the back of each panel as a testament to his skill. However, despite having modern techniques and resources unavailable to Biscornet, Boulanger’s ironwork is distinct, underscoring how different 19th-century ironworking was from that of the 14th century.
While Boulanger’s work honors the artistry of his medieval predecessor, the secrets behind Biscornet’s techniques remain unsolved, keeping the legend alive. Today, Notre-Dame’s doors serve not only as remarkable examples of medieval metalwork but also as reminders of the mystique and superstition that surrounded artistic achievement in a bygone era.
Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon.
See also: Why Notre-Dame Was Built for Medieval Music
Top Image: Photo by John Donges / Wikimedia Commons
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