heritage : land of art and creed
| The Maurienne has 50,000 inhabitants, 80 churches, 250 chapels and as many oratories, including a good number of absolute marvels. The Saint-Sébastien chapel, at Lanslevillard, tells a fascinating story in frescoes, which not only reflects the religious fervour of the 15th century, but also the daily life of the people. |
|
The Saint-Jean cathedral
the secret of the stalls |
|
 |
Lanslevillard
the life of the saints in mural panels |
|
|
Lanslevillard
the baroque explosion |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Lanslevillard : the life of the saints in mural panels |
This chapel, which is now included in the “Chemins de l’Histoire” (or Paths of History) circuit, is thought to have been built in 1446 by a rich parishioner who was spared by the plague, to the glory of the saint often invoked against that scourge. The panels serve as an illustrated catechism and reflect the Mystery plays presented in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries by the local population, which sometimes lasted for days at a time.
Built a little later, the Saint-Antoine chapel in Bessans, with its Renaissance ceiling, is another example of narrative art. Its panels combine episodes from the life of Christ with the lives of the mountain folk. Noteworthy among the sculptures by local artistic dynasties, is a devil destined to become the symbol of the village.
