Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Martin church of Doulaincourt-Saucourt, located in the Haute-Marne department, replaces a first medieval building (circa 1200) that housed a cure dependent on the chapter of Reynel. In the 18th century, a new church was built between 1732 and 1737 and rebuilt after a hurricane between 1751 and 1753. Its bell tower, designed by architect Didier Pierret, was completed in 1786. The building illustrates the rural religious architecture of the period, mixing sobriety and baroque decorations.

In 1864 the church was enriched with a Cavaillé-Coll organ, acquired for 8,700 francs, and in 1877 the master glassmaker Clement Haussaire installed narrative stained glass windows, including scenes of the life of the saints and Christ. These elements, added in the 19th century, reflect the evolution of liturgical tastes and the influence of regional workshops. The organ, unique in Haute-Marne to be entirely built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, bears witness to the musical importance of the parishes at this time.

A study of polychromy conducted in 1986 by Mr. Moulinier reveals the richness of interior decorations, triggering a restoration in several stages until 2011. During this last phase, the signatures of the brothers Marca (Jacques-François and Jean-Baptiste), Italian sculptors-stucators, are discovered on the retables, dated 1738. Their stucco technique, economic and adaptable, allowed to decorate the church of architectural altarpieces, typical of rural areas with limited means. These works depict biblical scenes (Saint Martin, the Virgin with the Child) and miracles (Saint Roch, Saint Nicholas).

The church was listed as historic monuments in 1990, recognizing its heritage value. Its furniture also includes a carved wooden pulpit, an ivory Christ and a polychrome stucco cross path, while its stained glass windows, protected, illustrate Marian and Christian episodes. The building, a communal property, remains a remarkable example of the sacred art of Lorrain and Champagne, marked by Italian and Parisian influences (Cavaillé-Coll).

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