Le Pont Notre Dame, Mende

John Taylor Arms

John Taylor Arms depicts the Notre-Dame bridge spanning the Lot River in Mende, Department of Lozère, France. Built in the 13th century, the triple-arched bridge is the only one of its kind in the region, providing access to the sunny hillside of Chaldecoste and beyond. Formerly called Pont Mende, it was not until the 15th century that it became the Notre-Dame bridge due to a small chapel built on a fore-beak and dedicated to the Virgin. Unfortunately, this chapel has since disappeared.

In the midground can be seen the tower of the Roman Catholic Mende Cathedral, a 14th-century Minor Basilica that enshrines the Tomb of Saint Privat. In the background rises the face of Mont Mimat - notable for having been entirely reforested in Austrian black pine in the early 20th century, around the time that this etching was made.