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Origin and history

The cross of the cemetery of Crissay-sur-Manse, erected in the seventeenth century, is a remarkable example of religious sculpture of this period. It is distinguished by its patty shape, resting on a hexagonal drum whose upper third is divided into six vertical compartments, each adorned with a diamond. The branches of the cross are inspired by the cross of Jerusalem, with extremities enlarged in rounded palmettes in the middle of the hang, while the column, of square section with chamfered angles, has a richly molded octagonal base.

The square base supports a column composed of three parts: a top with eight panels decorated with diamond-framed mouldings, a united central section, and an octagonal base decorated with boudins and mouldings separated by bevels. This cross, classified as Monument Historique by decree of 13 March 1972, belongs to the commune and bears witness to the local artistic know-how. Its location in the cemetery highlights its symbolic and commemorative role in the heart of the village.

The location of the cross, at 4 Rue de l'Eglise in Crissay-sur-Manse (Indre-et-Loire), is documented in the Merimée database under the code Insee 37090. Although its geographical accuracy is considered poor (note of 5/10), it remains an important heritage landmark for the Centre-Val de Loire region. The cross illustrates the influence of medieval motifs, such as those of the Jerusalem Cross, reinterpreted in modern times, and reflects the importance of funeral monuments in the spatial and spiritual organization of French villages in the seventeenth century.

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