2008-08-06 Corme Ecluse; église Notre-Dame, Charente-Maritime, Poitou Charentes

lovers

This church with its well charentaise gallery so graceful, seems to have come down to us without too much reworking, and has been restored with care and taste.

Its nave is covered by a semicircular cradle, forming two bays separated by a group three engaged columns, the two side edges for receiving the tension along the wall goutterot, available outside repeated, except that a buttress takes the place of the central column supporting the cornice. Cradles broken arm of the square support each transept covered by a cupola on horns, below which the chapels and the choir, vaulted cul-de-oven, do not offer architectural features, but if the set is little decorated, even the capitals that support the arches of the dome, it should be noted that in those transept offer smooth open bin at the corners to pass, as a hook, menacing lion heads: this pattern is sometimes found, but too often mutilated, because it is very tempting to cut these demonic leaders. More in the corners of the square rises a kind of gooseneck monstrous head, decor very special narrow, but we found however Linars (Charente). Two other capitals, is a counterpart to the entrance to the choir are remarkable work. In one, the basket, which really deserves the name, is formed patterns in basketry features an abacus circling to scrolls. However during his decorated with tracery, covers a big carved vines and leaves very Saintonge. But it is especially the exterior that deserves careful consideration. The central portal is barely larger than the side arches, and the whole is surmounted by an arched eight elements based on a separate band and carved the pinion by a cornice adorned with a pleated ribbon on its edge, supported by corbels to subjects. It should be noted the successful proportion of the arches of the facade as well as that of the first floor of the tower, one novel, where the angles are damped by strong columns and the staircase turret. Double arches on the ground floor, only the highest meniscus does not seem to have the religious sense that he was sometimes attributed. A central emblem or without aura, arms outstretched behind two cuts which come to drink each side three birds procession, perhaps doves following increasing size of free space, then more difficult to define due to the condition of the stone. No religious meaning appears. A Corme-Lock, the subject may, strictly speaking, develop oriental theme so common doves drinking from the fountain of life, but overall, it seems purely decorative, which is much better with the general spirit of the ornamentation. We feel that the skilful sculptor was distracted and chiseled in stone for pleasure these scrolls and volutes these complicated, amidst which evolve and play hide and seek men and women and animals naked or dressed meek surprised to meet face to face in the bush vines in harmony. Capitals, abaci, the banner of the arches are the same verve and fantasy where arrowhead hunt monsters. If the side arches and their diameters, and archivolts represent only leaves abundant, corbels more direct because they have no foliage except a head to which they give hair (but is it old?) participate in this joyous and free range where we see lovers kissing or various subjects. One would find here a representation of pastoral golden age of ancient philosophers, more than a little spiritual paradise!

 

(From: "Saintonge", François Eygun; Coll. Dawn of time, Ed Zodiac, p. 270-271

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