Matisse's 1900 painting of the gothic cathedral risked taking on elegiac significance before the fire was extinguished

The cathedral’s 19th-century additions are as much part of its history as its Gothic vaults, says a former director of Unesco’s World Heritage Centre

Conservators, curators, academics, architects and engineers denounce French president's "political calendar"

Complex conservation issues mean it could easily take a decade or more to rebuild the Medieval cathedral

A spire competition is the wrong approach

We talk about the effects of the fire at Notre Dame, the building’s history, and what happens next. And we speak to satirical artist Christopher Spencer, the man behind Cold War Steve. Produced in association with Bonhams, auctioneers since 1793.

The Art Newspaper network, which includes the Giornale dell’Arte, The Art Newspaper France, The Art Newspaper Russia, and The Art Newspaper China, has gathered together comments from three continents

The cathedral’s roof, wholly destroyed in the fire, was built of some 1300 great trees

The Belgian, known for his sculptures in a Northern European Gothic style, is already devising a new spire

But Pinault family says it is not seeking tax relief for its €100m donation towards the reconstruction effort

Several charitable and crowdfunding campaigns have launched since the fire

French Prime Minister wants to crown the building with a “spire adapted to the techniques and challenges of our times”

From Jean Fouquet and Jacques-Louis David to Picasso and Damien Hirst, artists across the ages have captured the French cathedral

Crown of Thorns and St Louis tunic are among the artefacts to have been saved, while paintings inside the cathedral will be removed and restored

US President proposed water bombing the cathedral but this risks weakening the structure, say experts

Tragic fire destroys the roof, but vaulting saves the interior

The country possesses more than 32,000 churches, 6,000 chapels and 87 cathedrals. Their dual administration has caused serious problems of management and conservation

As the extent of the damage continues to be assessed, investigation into cause of devastating fire begins

Competitive philanthropy can help save France’s flagship cathedral

The 19th-century spire has collapsed on the medieval landmark

From Paris to Chartres, US philanthropy makes its mark