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![coupole](images/log_cup.gif) |
Architecture
The
trapezoid aspect of the floor plan is not an artefact of perspective: the North wall is
shorter by about one metre
than the southern one. Like many other Romanesque churches such as
Notre Dame de Poitiers, the apse is slightly out of alignment. However
there is not the least evidence to justify a symbolic evocation of
'...the last agonised inflexion of the dying Christ’s head ' (cf: Invention de l'Architecture
Romane, Ed. du Zodiaque). |
![tiers point](images/tiersch.jpg)
POINTED ARCH & VAULT
The shape of the arches and vault, called 'pointed arch' ("tiers
point") lies historically between the Romanesque barrel vault and the
Gothic ribbed vault. The arch of the nave is constructed from two
overlapping circles each with a radius equalling 2/3 of the span
between the bases of the curved sides.
This technique was retained
for the construction of Cluny Abbey
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(Reactive
area, scroll)
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The
nave is supported by
half-barrel vaults on each side, resting on thick outer walls supported
by buttresses: two on the North side and one on the South. The
buttresses are probably a later addition.
Only five churches were built on this model :
Brux, Sainte-Soline, Parthenay-le-Vieux, Sainte-Croix de Parthenay and
Secondigny. (ref: 'Haut
Poitou Roman', Ed du Zodiaque
The dry stones roof lay directly on a gravel
ballast
spread over the extrados.
Since 1936 the gravel has been replaced by
pozzolane resting on reinforced cement, giving greater resistance to
infiltration.
These
half vaults prop up only the nave. At the dome, they are replaced by
barrel vaults over a few metres. Does this indicate an intention to
suggest an otherwise non-existent transept, or is it the result of a
later reorganization?
For further
information about French Romanesque art and architecture, link to:
Parole
& Patrimoine
Right aisle,
transition between half and full barrel vault -->
![](images/abside.jpg)
Semi-circular apse
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![](images/ogive.jpg)
Bay
through the nave
and the right aisle
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![](images/coupole.jpg)
Cupola
on squinches
Click to enlarge 800x600
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