The church ofArces dominates the marshes of theGironde estuary, perched on its rocky promontory surrounded by vineyards. The Gamon knights of the house of Mortagne entrusted it to the abbey of Saint-Étienne de VauxSince its first mentions in 1086, this church bears witness to centuries of faith and major architectural transformations.
A journey through the architectural ages of the Church of Arces
Saint Martin's Church, built in the 12th century in the Saintonge Romanesque style, has a typical Latin cross plan. The single nave, the slightly projecting transept and the vaulted apse have evolved over the centuries. In the 14th and 15th centuries, two Gothic seigneurial chapels replaced the apsidioles of the transept. While the octagonal bell tower was rebuilt in the 18th century.
Faced with the state of disrepair of the church, restoration work large-scale projects are being put in place. They are thus protecting this monument of French heritage. The work on the Brésillas chapel began in 2018. It then allowed the roofs to be repaired, an essential job to preserve the painted decor from water infiltration.
A living historical monument
Classified Historical Monument In 1911, the Saint-Martin d'Arces church was much more than an architectural building. It also represented a testimony to local history and medieval faith. The influences of Romanesque and Gothic art blend harmoniously in this church. Its restoration work has revealed fascinating frescoes and painted decorations. These offer a rare insight into the life and religious piety of the period.
An artistic treasure discovered
In 2018, when the restoration of the Brésillas chapel, we discover exceptional painted decorations. These frescoes, probably dating from the 15th or 16th century, were hidden under layers of whitewash. They represent an emblematic scene of The Passion of Christ, known as the "Arma Christi". It shows angels surrounded by a divine halo carrying symbolic instruments such as the column of flagellation, nails, the sword of Saint Peter and the cross.
Careful restoration work is bringing these decorations back to life, using the "tratteggio" technique. This technique involves applying small vertical strokes to restore the frescoes while respecting the integrity of the original fragments. These restorations have also revealed funerary liters, black bands decorated with the coats of arms of the lords buried in the church.
Deciphering the Hidden Religious Scenes of the Church of Arces
Some of the frescoes discovered depict enigmatic religious scenes. For example, one scene shows a lying body with a halo around its head, surrounded by two armed figures. This image evokes the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. A Roman deacon, he refused to hand over the riches of the Church. Two executioners then burned this martyr alive on a grill. Another fresco shows a crenellated tower with three windows. It thus symbolises Saint Barbara. The father of this Christian martyr beheaded her after she refused an arranged marriage and chose to devote herself to Christ.
These discoveries are akin to a true artistic investigation. Identifying the saints represented requires a careful analysis of their specific attributes, such as the palms of martyrdom or the symbols of the Trinity.
Frescoes or murals? An essential distinction
It is essential to specify that, although we commonly speak of frescoes to designate these decorations, the correct term would rather be "mural painting". Indeed, frescoes are done with water on a fresh coating (a fresco), while murals are done on a dry coating (a secco). This distinction highlights the diversity of artistic techniques used in the medieval period.
Bringing medieval history back to life
The artistic renaissance of the Saint-Martin d'Arces church allows to revive a forgotten part of the medieval history of the region. These restorations also allow to preserve an exceptional architectural and artistic heritage for future generations.
Call for the preservation of heritage
Faced with the ravages of time and natural elements, the preservation of the Saint-Martin church requires collective commitment. The Heritage Foundation and its volunteers work tirelessly to protect this jewel of the past and pass it on to future generations. Each contribution to this restoration project is a way of participating in the preservation of a precious cultural heritage.
Next steps in the restoration of the church of Arces
Future projects include the restoration of the chapel of the Virgin and the enhancement of the nave and the crypt, recently revealed under the transept. This work promises new discoveries, because the elements hidden since the Revolution are numerous. The perseverance of past generations is reflected in each restored stone, testifying to the importance of protecting our common heritage.
The preservation of painted decorations, especially those protected by lime, is a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.
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