Varennes-Bourreau

Varennes-Bourreau is a small village about 4 miles from Saint Denis d'Anjou (Mayenne). The church, was built in the 11^th century on the bank of the river Sarthe. It is small edifice consisting of a nave prolonged by a choir. The nave and its windows have not been altered, but the choir was rebuilt in the early 16^th century as well as the slate-covered spire. The western gable was also modified at that time.

THE WALL PAINTINGS

The chapel is adorned with mural paintings (see Techniques des peintures murales) dating to the 12^th, 13^th and 15^th centuries. The location of the paintings is indicated on the diagram below.

1. Blessing Christ (13^th century) 2. Deposition from the Cross (13^thcentury) - 3. Last Supper (12^th century) - Women at the Tomb (12^thcentury) - 4. The Magi in Bethlehem (12^th century) - - 5. The Evangelists - - 6. Saints (15^th century) - - 7. Unidentified figures

Deposition from the Cross: On the left, the Virgin is holding her son's hand. On the right, Saint Joseph has his arm round Christ's waist; Nicomedus removes the nail from Christ's left arm; Saint John shows his grief. The cross is half green, half white, which might symbolise Death and Resurrection. This is the only example in the provinces of Maine and Anjou.