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Tuesday 24 December updated on 12-24-2024 at 8:06
Tuesday 24 December updated on 12-24-2024 at 8:06
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Inspired by great artists like Bernini, Borromoni, Guarino Garini, Baroque art appeared in Italy and developed in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. At this time, the churches and chapels of Savoy, often of medieval origin, were enlarged or transformed. If the exterior remains sober, the interior is richly decorated: in the choir, the altarpiece attracts all eyes and becomes a real catechism in images. Baroque is the art of staging, of movement with the play of drapery and light, trompe l'oeil, gilding and bright colors, curves and counter-curves, volutes, dramatization and theatrical productions... It is the expression of grandeur and excess to seduce the faithful.
The church, records of which date back to pre-13th century, was transformed in 1670 thanks to funding from parishioners. It was extended and three Baroque altarpieces, complete with painted, gilded and carved detailing, were added. Wood and Piedmont regional knowledge reign supreme!
The main altarpiece was a collective effort.
In 1673, Jérôme Rochus, a master-sculptor from the region of Milan, worked on the altarpiece with his team. Following a dispute with the parishioners, the craftsmen left Villaroger. An up-and-coming sculptor, Jean Marie Monino, from Valsesia, on the other side of the Alps, took over the work with his associates.
The Rosary altarpiece: in 1788, the sculptor, Zanolli, was commissioned by a religious Brotherhood to carry out a very precise order. The cost estimate was drawn up by the Brotherhood of Penitents, amounting to some 80 livres and 8 sous, although their accounts indicate that they paid additional sums to cover the price of materials.
The order was set out verbally, as well as in figures and drawings, to seal a reciprocal agreement.
In 1741, there was consternation in the village. The church bell tower was destroyed by lightening.
No one knows if all the bells were broken in the incident but the 1766 bell, which escaped destruction during the French Revolution in 1794, bears the inscription (in Latin) "Lord, deliver us from lightening and storm." This prayer was, perhaps, enough to protect the bell...but not the bell tower!
In 1945, when war had given way to peace in the Upper Valley, lighting struck again: this time hitting the crest of the rooster at the top of the spire, hurling the metal animal to the ground! Second time (un)lucky!
