Row over Paris opera house ceiling reignites with lawsuit threat

What happened: A descendant of painter Jules-Eugène Lenepveu plans legal action to uncover and restore the original Palais Garnier ceiling, which Marc Chagall's work has covered since the 1960s. Key numbers: Chagall produced 24 canvases covering 220 sq metres; the opera house opened in January 1875; Lenepveu's ceiling was listed in 1923; the Palais Garnier will close for renovation between Why it matters: The dispute between traditionalists and modernists dates back over 60 years. Paris Opera director Alexander Neef said the descendants' wish to defend Lenepveu's memory is legitimate.

A descendant of painter Jules-Eugène Lenepveu plans legal action to uncover and restore the original Palais Garnier ceiling, which Marc Chagall's work has covered since the 1960s.

The dispute between traditionalists and modernists dates back over 60 years. Paris Opera director Alexander Neef said the descendants' wish to defend Lenepveu's memory is legitimate.