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Origin and history

The Grosne Cemetery Cross is a monumental cross erected in 1764 in the cemetery adjacent to Saint Paul's Church in the centre of Grosne village. This monument, typical of 18th century religious art, is distinguished by its moulure pedestal, cornice and an oval medallion engraved with the vintage of construction. The richly carved crusillon presents on its face before a representation of the Apostle Paul holding his gospel and the sword of his martyrdom, while the reverse shows St Peter, the first bishop of Rome, with the keys to paradise. A metal Christ, added in 1844, commemorates a religious mission and partially masks this latter figure.

The cross was listed as historic monuments on July 7, 1989, recognizing its heritage and artistic value. It symbolizes the protection of the deceased, a common function for cemetery crosses at that time. The monument is property of the commune of Grosne, in the Territoire de Belfort department, in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Its precise location, 2 Rue de la Fontaine, and its state of conservation reflect its importance in the local landscape and religious history of the community.

The elements protected by the 1989 inscription exclude the 1844 metal Christ, emphasizing the interest in the original 18th century structure. The cross is part of a Christian architectural tradition where funeral monuments served both as spiritual landmarks and as marks of collective identity. His iconography, centred on the figures of St Paul and St Peter, refers to the foundations of the Catholic faith and their role in spreading Christianity.

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