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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Melrand Calvary, located in the road of Guémené in Morbihan, is a granite statuary set classified as a Historic Monument since May 19, 1965. Although its current construction dates back to 1827, it incorporates older elements, including a sculptured Renaissance-style base (XVIth or XVIIth century) representing episodes of the Passion. This use suggests the existence of an anterior ordeal on the site. The monument is distinguished by its Trinitarian structure: God the Father, surmounted by the dove of the Holy Spirit, dominates Christ on the cross, while the Virgin and Saint John, placed exceptionally at the foot of the cross, are dressed in 16th century Breton costumes.

Sponsored in 1827 by the heirs of Vincent Le Beller du Rongoëdo, the calvary was made by the mason Jean Cabedoche, as the inscription engraved on his base attests. The ensemble is based on a three-sided base, including a curved altar and a three-degree walk. The barrel carries the busts of the twelve apostles in the high relief, and a knot adorned with anangelot heads separates the crusillon from the barrel. The iconography deviates from traditional representations, with scenes such as the Portement de Croix and the Envelissement, described by Gustave Geffroy in 1905 as "lefts and children", mixing dramatic intent and caricatureal performance.

The Calvary suffered an act of vandalism on the night of 13-14 September 2013, in a context of degradation targeting religious monuments in the canton. Despite these events, there remains a remarkable testimony of Breton piety, combining medieval heritage and 19th century interventions. Its protection under the Historic Monuments underscores its heritage importance, both for its architecture and for the sculptures that adorn its base and barrel.

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