Construction of the cross XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Estimated period of its creation.
27 février 1946
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 27 février 1946 (≈ 1946)
Official protection of the monument.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Saint Grégoire le Grand - Religious figure represented
Sculpted on the base, Mass for souls.
J.-P. Ducouret - Specialist cited
Has analyzed sculptures and history.
Origin and history
The cemetery cross of Lanouee, located in the current cemetery of the commune, was originally erected in the old cemetery before being moved. It has been listed as a historical monument since 27 February 1946. This monument, dated from the 16th century, is a monolithic-built cross, with a granite base and a barked circular section. His sculptures in high relief represent, on one side, a Calvary, and on the other, a Blessed Virgin with the Child. The base, particularly remarkable, bears a carved scene interpreted as a Mass of Saint Gregory the Great, with an ecclesiastical in prayer in front of an altar, assisted by two deacons.
The decoration of the base, of a notable artistic quality, shows a figure in perspective of the altar, which is an originality for the time. The upper part of the cross, sheltered under an awning, presents Christ on one side and the Virgin to the Child on the other. According to experts like J.-P. Ducouret, this cross was re-edited when the cemetery was moved, and some parts, such as the barrel, were re-edited with hooks. The carved stone on the base would probably come from a altarpiece, adding to the historical complexity of this monument.
The cross of Lanouee illustrates the artistic and religious traditions of 16th century Brittany, where the calvaries and cemetery crosses played a central role in community and spiritual life. These monuments served not only as sacred landmarks, but also as educational materials for the faithful, telling biblical or hagiographic episodes. Their presence in cemeteries highlighted the link between death, resurrection and divine protection, reflecting the beliefs and practices of the time in Brittany.
Today, this cross remains a valuable testimony of Breton Christian art and local history. Its inscription as a historical monument in 1946 attests to its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its sculptures, which combine religious symbolism and artisanal know-how. The approximate location of the cross is indicated as 8 Rue du Parvis in Lanouée, Morbihan department, Brittany.
