Saint Hernin Parish close
The Saint Hernin Parish close (Enclos paroissial) is located at Saint-Hernin in the Châteaulin arrondisement within Brittany in north-western France. The parish church was completed in 1682 and the enclos paroissial comprises the church, an ossuary and calvary. The south porch dates to 1632. Statuary in the church includes Saint Hernin, to whom the church is dedicated, Saint Corentin, Saint Michael, Saint Guénolé, Saint Catherine, John the Baptist, a pietà and Saint Peter.[1] [2][3]
The calvary
The enclos paroissial calvary is 6 metres high and was erected in around 1530. It is thought to have been executed by the workshop who carved the calvary at Brasparts. The base incorporates an altar suggesting that the calvary was at one time used for open air services. The pedestal placed on this base is rectangular and from it emerge the crucifixion cross and two tau shaped gibbets and at the base of these there is a 'Vierge de Pitié" or pietà carved from kersanton stone featuring the Virgin Mary supporting Jesus' body assisted by Mary Magdalene and John the Evangelist. On the central shaft bearing the crucifixion cross there is a relief carving of Saint Michael slaying the dragon and at the top of the shaft is an arrangement including depictions of three marmousets (small grotesque carvings) who support statues of the Virgin Mary (on the right) and John the Evangelist (on the left). Both these statues are in rond bosse. The figure of Jesus is carved from granite and is in high relief whereas the good and bad robbers on the two side gibbets, their bodies contorted, were carved from kersanton stone.[4][5][6][7]
The ossuary
Dates to 1697 and restored in 1965. Became the Saint Anne chapel once the use of ossuaries ceased. Decoration includes Saint Anne reading to the Virgin Mary.
The calvary at Kerbreudeur
Just by Saint-Hernin is the remarkable Kerbreudeur calvary, built in around 1450 and reckoned to be the oldest calvary in western Brittany. It is carved from granite from Scaër. The Kerbredeur Calvary has been attributed to the "Atelier de Scaër", who were also responsible for the Tronoen calvary at Saint-Jean Trolimon. The calvary comprises a rectangular base formed into a large niche within which are several bas-relief panels. Outside of this niche is a relief showing Saint Michael slaying a dragon and Saint Catherine of Alexandria with her wheel and carrying a sword. She wears a crown. Also outside the niche is a relief depicting the nativity and the Adoration of the Magi and another depicts the mouth of hell. The bas-reliefs inside the niche include depictions of Jesus' baptism and his resurrection as well as a scene showing Adam and Eve being thrown out of the Garden of Eden. Also outside the niche there is a relief showing the procession where Jesus and the two robbers carry their crosses to Golgotha. The procession is led by the Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene. There is also a depiction of the flagellation. Above the roof of the niche are the crucifixion cross and the gibbets of the good and bad robber on cube shaped pedestals. On the face of the base facing north west there is a sculpture depicting God sat on a throne and surrounded by angels [8] Here are some photographs of the bas-reliefs.
On the right side of the central niche is this statue of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. We can recognize the wheel on which she suffered martyrdom. She wears a crown and holds a sword
Part of the Kerbredeur calvary. The Adoration of the Magi. The Virgin Mary lies on a bed and the infant Jesus stands at her side. One of the Magi reaches forward to hand Jesus a chalice.
Part of the Kerbredeur calvary. The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. An angel holds Jesus' cloak whilst John pours water on Jesus' head from a jug.
Part of the Kerbredeur calvary. The resurrection. Jesus emerges from his tomb assisted by two angels.
Part of the Kerbredeur calvary. Saint Michael slays the dragon whilst to the left we see Saint Catherine of Alexandria with her wheel and a sword. We see a depiction of the devil. Note his four hands and horns.
Part of the Kerbredeur calvary
Part of the Kerbredeur calvary. A sword carrying angel escorts Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. An apple tree around which a serpent has wound itself represents "original sin". Adam is dressed in an animal skin and Eve carries a distaff.
Another view of the resurrection on the left and the expulsion from Eden on the right
Gallery of images
Part of calvary
Part of calvary
Part of calvary
The pietà decorating the ossuary
References
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- ↑ "The enclos paroissial of St Hernin". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ↑ "The enclos paroissial of St Hernin". Retrieved 2 May 2015.
- ↑ "Website with comprehensive information of Saint Hernin enclos". Retrieved 8 November 2015.
- ↑ "The Saint Hernin calvary". Retrieved 10 June 2015.
- ↑ "Saint Hernin enclos paroissial". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ↑ "Saint Hernin enclos paroissial". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ↑ "Saint Hernin enclos paroissial". Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ↑ "The calvary at Kerbredeur". Retrieved 12 June 2015.