Construction of the cross XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Late Gothic sculpture at Fraissines.
7 janvier 1953 (ou 27 janvier 1953)
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 7 janvier 1953 (ou 27 janvier 1953) (≈ 1953)
Official protection order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Sixteenth century cross placed on the tomb of parish priests: classification by decree of 27 January 1953
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character identified
Sources don't mention any names.
Origin and history
The Cross of Fraissens is a cemetery cross located in the enclosure of the church of Saint James, in Fraissens (Tarn, Occitanie). Dating from the 16th century, it overcomes the tomb reserved for parish priests. Its late gothic style is distinguished by arms and a barrel bristled with hooks, while its ends, decorated with foliage, add a remarkable decorative dimension. This funerary monument, both artistic and symbolic, illustrates the importance of cemetery crosses in modern religious and commemorative practices.
The cross presents two sculpted faces with a rich Christian iconography. The first face depicts Christ on the cross, framed by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, a classic scene of the Crucifixion. The second side offers a Virgin to the Child dominating a biblical character and an angel, all surmounted by a dais held by another angel. These representations, typical of 16th century religious art, underline the dual vocation of the monument: marking a sacred place and serving as support for devotion.
Classified as a historical monument by decree of 7 January 1953 (or 27 January 1953 according to the sources), the cross of Fraissens is now owned by the commune. Its state of conservation and its location in the cemetery of the Church of St. James make it a precious testimony of funeral art and local piety in the Renaissance. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum, Merimée base) confirm its heritage interest, although its exact location is considered "passable" (note 5/10) in the geographic databases.
