Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of the Nativity-de-la-Sainte-Vierge de Fouchères, located in the Aube department in the Grand Est region, is a building whose nave is Romanesque, while the choir and transept date from the early 13th century. The arched capitals of the choir and the traces of red ochre painting on the veins of the vaults bear witness to this medieval period. The nave, consisting of three ceiling spans, is accompanied by a lower side to the north, and the double transept leads to a flat-side choir, adorned with a triplet and a rosette. A modest bell tower overcomes the third span of the nave.

The church windows illustrate different eras. Those of the late 19th century, realized by the glassmaker Tamoni, represent Saint Henry, Saint Margarita and Christ with the apostles. The triplet of the bedside, on the other hand, is the work of Gruber and dates back to 1940. The oldest window, dated 1575, is located in the first northern span of the transept. It is composed of two lancettes in the middle of the circle representing the Death of the Virgin, surrounded by the apostles and d'Elion d'Amoncourt, Abbé de Saint-Martin de Troyes and Boulancourt, as well as Prior de Fouchères. This stained glass window, restored in 1861, 1907 and 1980, also includes a scene of the Assumption of the Virgin in the oculus. The building was classified as a historic monument in 1840, and its stained glass windows were protected in 1913.

Elion of Amoncourt, key figure in the history of the church, is represented on the stained glass window of 1575, presented by Saint Benedict (or perhaps Saint Robert of Molesmes) in front of a renaissance architectural decor. It is probably responsible for some modifications of the building, such as the enlargement of the bays. This stained glass window, in addition to its artistic interest, offers historical testimony about the donors and architectural transformations of the era.

The church, owned by the commune of Fouchères, is located at 2 Rue de la Croix Saint-Jean. Its early ranking in 1840 underscores its heritage importance. Protected elements include the entire building, while stained glass was specifically protected in 1913. These features make it a remarkable example of medieval religious architecture and glass art throughout the centuries.

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