After several years of restoration, the colourful frescoes in the Cathedral of Poitiers have been unveiled in all their splendid charm
In 2012, during restoration on the roof of the Cathedral in Poitiers, 55 spots of whitewash were cleaned off in the southern transept in the Cathedral in Poitiers. From this preliminary survey it appeared that the church had been painted all-over with murals in the 13th century, covering more than 600 m2. The walls and vaults were whitewashed in the 18th century thus preserving this treasure for the future.
Beginning January 2015, conservators embarked on a restoration project estimated to cost € 800.000. Recently part of the scaffolding was removed in order to give the public a glimpse of what has been found.
Four great scenes have seen the light. One is depicting ‘Abraham’s Bosom”, another the ‘Coronation of the Mary’, ‘Christ the Judge, surrounded by Mary and St. John’ and finally a procession of angels holding crowns. The paintings belong to the style characteristic of St. Louis and can be dated to mid 13th century.
The Cathedral of Poiters in France appears to have been painted through and through with frescos in wonderful vivid colours. A few weeks ago (May 2016) parts of the paintings in red, blue and ochre were unveiled even though the restoration is not quite finished. The painting have been carried out with a varied palette containing rare shades of pink, green, purple and orange. Precious pigments were used as cinnabar and azurite. Stars and other decoration were fitted with silver and gold leaf. The colours are still quite vivid. It is apparent that the decoration was intended to fill every empty space, enfolding windows and other architectural details.
Not all the scaffolding have been taken down as the conservators are still working to restore the stained glass windows of St. Laurent, the Crucifixion and St. Pierre in the Eastern end of the church; all are from the 12th century.
In the next years, work will continue to uncover other parts of the amazing murals, still hidden under the protective veil of whitewashing. Recent finds hints at future discoveries can be made in the aisle and the Northern transept as well. Hope is in the end to show off a 13th century “intact” cathedral where the colours of the murals mix with the light streaming through the stained windows.
SOURCE:
Cathédrale de Poitiers – une découverte exceptionnelle de peintures murals
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Poitiers lies in the so-called Valley of the Fresques
FEATURED PHOTO:
© Xavier Guilloteau/Diocèse de Poitiers