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Chabrat’s Michelangelo masterpiece

October 8, 2016 by Lin Kerr 3 Comments

In the sleepy village of Sous Parsat, Creuze, in France you could easily drive past this little church without really noticing it.

Church at Sous Parsat
Church at Sous Parsat

However, if you step inside you will be overwhelmed, moved and no doubt feel a mixture of emotions.

River of water flowing from the throne of God (ceiling mural)
River of water flowing from the throne of God (ceiling mural)

You wonder if the church is sacred or if this is blasphemous. Look closer, think about the biblical story; the stories of suffering, wars, famines …

The Battle of Good overcoming Evil
The Battle of Good overcoming Evil

and the bitter-sweet triumph of the crucifixion and the Pieta.

Crucifixion and Pieta
Crucifixion and Pieta

The light streams in through the stained glass windows casting prismatic reflections everywhere,

light-72

illuminating the murals which are on a background of electric blue. The stonework surrounding windows and arches are left natural.

The theme of this mural is Time and Mortality
The theme of this mural is Time and Mortality

This work of art was created entirely by Gabriel Chabrat in the 1980’s. Here are two journeys – Flight from Egypt and Exodus. Feel Mary’s love for her baby and Joseph’s weariness.

Flight from Egypt
Flight from Egypt
Exodus
Exodus

And finally (although the story in this little church has much more to offer), enjoy the almost medieaval yet modern style of The Last Supper. There is the warmth and cosiness of a meal shared and yet – look at the expressions on the disciples faces – anxiety, horror, suspicion, worry, unhappiness. Only Jesus has serenity.

The Last Supper
The Last Supper

I think that no matter what your walk in life is, or your beliefs,. you cannot be unaffected by this powerful evocation of hundreds of years of history.

(This was extremely difficult to photograph because of the dim church and the light from the windows. You can see how the light kept ‘wiping out’ the murals. What you see here is only a mere glimpse of this amazing little church.)

 

 

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Comments

  1. Bev says

    October 9, 2016 at 10:15 am

    I have never even heard of this. Amazing and awe-inspiring.

    Reply
  2. Linda Kerr says

    October 9, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    Yes, it was a total surprise to me and a real treat on the holiday

    Reply
  3. Tessa Case says

    October 15, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    Really beautiful, you could contemplate and reflect on these images for many days.

    Reply

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