Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint-Clair d'Artigues, located in Moncrabeau, has its origins in the 13th century in the form of a Romanesque building dedicated to Notre-Dame d'Artigues. The major reconstruction took place at the beginning of the 16th century under the impulse of Jean Marre, bishop of Condom, who erected a Gothic nave with foothills and dogive vaults, embellished with sculptures announcing the Renaissance. The capitals of the choir, already marked by this new style, contrast with the medieval structure.

In 1541, the church is equipped with an emblematic southern portal, reflecting the Italianizing influence in the Neracese: caissoned pilasters, diamond, Corinthian capitals and shell niches adorn this entrance. The square bell tower, partially hors-oeuvre, is surmounted by an arrow in 1901, while the side chapels, added during a second campaign in 1541 (date engraved on the gate), complete the initial plan. The northern sacristy, made of stone and wood, also dates from the sixteenth century.

In the 19th century, modifications took place: a south gallery was added in the first half of the century, then the vault, the cover and the outside cornice were redone in 1846 under the episcopate of Jean Aimé Levezou de Vesins, whose coats of arms are shown in the keystone alongside those of the local families. The church, a communal property, was listed as a Historic Monument in 1994 for its hybrid architecture and furniture.

The building thus illustrates the transition between Gothic and Renaissance in Aquitaine, with early Romanesque elements (XII century), late Gothic reconstruction (early 16th), and reborn additions (1541). Its history also reflects the evolution of techniques and tastes, from medieval ogival vaults to the Italianizing decorations of the modern period.

External links