Because people could not accept Lucifer or satan as a representative of beauty, it was discarded and replaced in 1848. The strange thing is that the alternative is also full of unusual beauty, so it did not achieve the desired effect, and it still exists today in the Cathedral of Liege in Belgium.
Some details and clear symbols on the statue distinguish this satan marble statue from those who enjoy the grace of God. His right ankle was handcuffed to the ground. Near his toes, a bitten apple was placed next to a truncated scepter with a star pattern on it, calling Lucifer the "morning star." Wings resembling gargoyles or bats conceal the anatomy of animals. Finally, the pair of horns appearing in his hair alludes to Satan's physiology, as well as traditional religious images.
The image of Lucifer is a gathering of countless archetypes. It is a mixture that includes primitive substances such as rebellion and violation, blasphemy, abyss, curse, the origin of light, and mysterious beauty. As a character, he is essentially "dazzling". His name means bearer of light. Therefore, this statue confirms its charm with its gritty marble and specious anatomy, which transcends creed or morality.
The Genius of Evil seems to ramp up the devilish aesthetic to counter the criticism leveled at Joseph’s sculpture. He grasps a broken scepter and crown in fingers that end in sharp talons. The fallen angel is chained to his rock and, while the serpent that lay at the feet of his predecessor is now gone, an apple lies discarded on the floor. This is a clear reference to the original sin he encouraged.
Alongside this reference, Guillaume created some inspired changes to fit with the theme of the punishment of evil. Lucifer holds his head and gazes downwards – perhaps to avoid chastisement, perhaps imagining the divine favor now lost to him forever. An accompanying tear drips down from his eye towards an anguished – yet sensual – open mouth. The figure’s modesty is covered more fully, but his adjusted pose has allowed Guillaume to explore the tense muscles in Lucifer’s raised arm and his finely sculpted chest. This figure is more muscular in both body and wing, and his curled hair is more voluminous, barely covering small horns. The church evidently approved the additions as this figure was installed without any further complaint and Lucifer had remained in St. Pauls ever since.
These seemingly ordinary statues contain unique ideas that the artist wants to express. Only when you calm down and savor it can you discover the beauty!
