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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Croix d'Ambialet is a cemetery cross located in the former cemetery of the commune of the same name, in the Tarn department, in the Occitanie region. Dated from 1759-1760 thanks to an inscription engraved on its square support, it has a peculiarity: its carved upper part seems anterior, probably from the 15th century, as indicated by the clear connection between the feet of Christ and the bottom of the cross. This hypothesis suggests a re-use or re-enrection of the monument at a later time.

The cross has two distinct sides: one represents Christ on the cross, unusually inclined to the left, while the other shows a Virgin to the Crowned Child, holding a scepter. These sculptures, sometimes rudimentary, are framed by motifs in the shape of a lobed flower. The head of Christ, slender on his chest, and his body on the right contrast with the stiffness of the limbs, adding a unique character to this work.

Classified as historical monuments by order of 20 October 1971, the Ambialet cross bears witness to local religious and artistic history. Its location in the old cemetery, now located 12 Route du Prieuré, makes it a marked heritage element, property of the commune. Available sources, such as the Merimée database or Wikipedia, confirm its historical importance and architectural value, while highlighting questions about its exact origin and transformations over the centuries.

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