Wall paintings of Romanesque churchesDaniel Police
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Pouzauges

Vendée (85)

NOTRE-DAME du VIEUX POUZAUGES

(Vendée)

Pouzauges

Standing on a mound, the church is famous for its wall paintings dating to the early 13th century. The west façade is a gable pierced with a high window. The door has a slightly pointed arch. The nave dates to the 12th century but the chancel was altered in the 14thcentury. The original apse and the two apsidioles no longer remain

Pouzauges
Pouzauges

The mural paintings (northern wall of the nave):

They date to the early 13th century and represent episodes of the Virgin's childhood. (such scenes are not common)

1) Appearance of the angel to saint Joachim (father of the Virgin)

2) Meeting of Anna (mother of the Virgin) and Joachim
2) Meeting of Anna (mother of the Virgin) and Joachim
3)Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple.
3)Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple.
Pouzauges
Frieze above the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple
Frieze above the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple

4) Appearance of the angel to the Virgin.

Pouzauges
Pouzauges

In the upper register, three ou four medallions illustrating the Labours of the Months

Month of April: the first flowers
Month of April: the first flowers
Month of May dedicated to the nobleman and his sport
Month of May dedicated to the nobleman and his sport
July: the harvest, wheat is cut with a sickle ** - August; wheat is threshed with a flail
July: the harvest, wheat is cut with a sickle ** - August; wheat is threshed with a flail

Location and nearby churches

  1. Pommeraie 6.1 km
  2. Mesnard-la-Barotière 23 km
  3. Les Magnils-Reigniers 46 km
  4. Chemillé 51 km
  5. Aubigné-sur-Layon 55 km
  6. Beaulieu-sur-Layon 62 km

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