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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.
Monvalezan has managed to conserve its 17th-century church intact. In 2014, however, it became necessary to restore the murals: this showcased the original Baroque keystones. Other masterpieces await you inside.
During the 17th century, the parish of Montvalezan was under the jurisdiction of the Hospice of the Le Petit-Saint-Bernard mountain pass; its coat of arms can furthermore be found carved into the lintel of the gate at the entrance to the garden...of the priest! Johan Ducloz, appointed parish priest of Montvalezan in 1664, was the governor of the hospice at that time.
His friend from Maurienne, the sculptor Fodéré, realised a rood beam at his request similar to that in Séez, as well as some of the statues that can still be seen in the church today.
The 18th-century main altarpiece is an entirely Baroque explosion of twisted columns, cherubs and statues of saints. As if stuffed into the back of a chancel that appears too small for it, it has a central painting depicting the Baptism of Christ. On either side, three twisted columns wrapped in a variety of leaves separate it from the side panels, which are divided into niches and rectangular cartouches decorated with carved, gilded scenes. In addition to the Four Evangelists, statues of St. Bernard-des-Alpes and bishops bring this ensemble to life.
In front of this setting, where all eyes meet, the massive two-level tabernacle is flanked by two imposing reliquaries.
At the top of the right-hand nave, the altarpiece of the Rotary sits in majesty, devoted to the worship of the Virgin Mary. An interesting altarpiece devoted to the Souls in Purgatory, also from the 18th century, can be found in the middle of the left-hand nave and is worth a look.
