Date of construction 1555 (≈ 1555)
Cross dated and associated with the Bouchet family.
1789-1799
Probable displacement
Probable displacement 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Cross probably moved during the Revolution.
12 octobre 1972
MH classification
MH classification 12 octobre 1972 (≈ 1972)
Listed historical monument by arrest.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Road cross of the hamlet of Cossanges (cad. not cadastral (at H. 2242) : classification by order of 12 October 1972
Key figures
Famille du Bouchet - Local noble family
Associated with the cross by inscriptions.
Origin and history
The cross of Cossanges is a monumental cross located in the hamlet of Cossanges, in the commune of Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon, Haute-Loire. Dated from 1555, it is representative of the 16th century crosses, with a very rudimentary sculpture. She was associated with the Bouchet family, a notable family in the region, and was allegedly displaced during the French Revolution. Its Forezian style is distinguished by a slender barrel, round cut and conical, topped by a very damaged statue, probably representing Saint-Pal.
The crusillon, also of round cut, carries a Christ with titulus and nimbe cruciferous, framed by two small statuettes, probably Saint John and the Virgin. At the back, a crowning of the Virgin to the Child by a vertical angel is visible. The ends of the arms are adorned with quadrangular protruding foliage. The base of the cross presents inscriptions, including "M V L V", which seems to indicate a date, and other mentions such as "P BOVCH .OECOCCH" and "ET.OE.C .NOE", related to the Bouchet family.
Classified as historical monuments by order of 12 October 1972, this cross is a testimony of Renaissance rural religious art. It is located on the edge of the old road from Craponne to Saint-Pal, in a variable state of conservation, with very damaged carved elements. His interest lies as much in his style as in his inscription in local history, marked by the upheavals of the Revolution.
The sources available, notably the works of Jean Peyrard and Jean Chaize, underline its importance in the heritage of the Velay and Haute-Loire crosses. The cross of Cossanges thus illustrates the link between popular art, local noble families and modern religious practices in Auvergne.
