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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The 16th century Cross of Malleret is a listed historical monument, originally located in the ancient cemetery south of the church, before being transferred to the present cemetery, further away from the village. This shift reflects the evolution of funeral practices and local urban planning. Its base, composed of three superimposed steps, supports a cubic base on which rises an octagonal drum at the cubic extremities. The latter is surmounted by a carved base depicting scenes of Christ's childhood, with characters and animals in bas-relief on three of its faces.

The knot separating the barrel from the cross leads to a Historiated structure, where the south face exposes a Christ crucified under a flamboyant dais, adorned with a braid and a gable with hooks. The opposite side presents a Virgin to the Child, all framed by a four-lob openwork ending with stylized lily flowers. These artistic elements, typical of the Renaissance, underline the symbolic and religious importance of the cross, which served both as a spiritual landmark and as a funeral marker for the community.

Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 16 June 1965, this cross is now owned by the commune of Malleret. Its state of conservation and its current location, although noted as "passable" (5/10) in terms of precision, make it a valuable testimony of the religious and artistic heritage of Limousin. The sculptures, combining late Gothic motifs and renaissant influences, illustrate the stylistic transition of the period, while anchoring the monument in the local history of Creuse.

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