Sainte Catherine

Wall paintings

These 16th century mural paintings form a true early comic strip, mainly depicting Saint Barbara’s martyrdom. Similar works adorn the arches of the church’s three pillars. Anne Dudant dated them to 1540–1560, though those between the second and third columns seem by another, perhaps local, and possibly later artist. Their technique makes them both rare and extremely fragile.

Pillars

Two columns are surmounted by capitals with human figures, dated by IRPA in the 16th century. Oral tradition says they are older. Traces of polychrome paint. They alone would deserve a thorough study to date them with more certainty. 

Polichrome Christ

Probably dating from the 14th century, this Christ was originally located at the front of the choir. It was placed in the main altar to replace a missing painting. The cross is recent.  

Theotheque library

This arch shaped stone tabernacle, dated between 1594 and 1640, shows floral motifs and two angels. Once placed in the main altar, it was later secured and built into the tower beside tombstones with coats of arms. A tabernacle stores consecrated hosts and is usually part of the main altar or set in the choir. Though also found in nearby churches like Beaufays and Soiron, such a theoteek remains rare.

Altar Louis XIII

This altar, dated 1645, had hidden the wall paintings since the second half of the 17th century. It was moved to the left transept (formerly the sacristy) after the fortuitous discovery of the wall paintings in 1947. With its interrupted pediment and acanthus leaves, we have a fine example of religious furniture from the first half of the 17th century in our regions. Note the presence of a coat of arms with a helmet (cavalry helmet emblematic of chivalry). 

Stained-glass windows

The two stained-glass windows decorating the choir of the church were made by the artist-glazier Louis Jacvquemart (1916-1972). They are intended to preserve the memory of the two series of martyrs of Forêt: those of 5 and 6 August 1914, when 15 fellow villagers were slaughtered by the invaders, and those of 6 September 1944, when 60 members of the resistance were shot by the Germans in the courtyard of the castle of Forêt.

Download the plan of the remarkable elements