Saint Lambert

Scaldic Passion Altarpiece

Saint-Lambert Church in Bouvignes preserves a rare mid 16th century Antwerp altarpiece by Jean Leuthard. Made of carved and polychrome oak, it features a predella and six Passion scenes, known as the Altarpiece of the Passion or of the True Cross. Donated after the 1554 Sack of Antwerp, it was restored in the 1990s. A lost predella panel resurfaced in 2015. It was listed as Exceptional Heritage of Wallonia in 2010.

Christ of Pity

This 16th century oak Christ of Pity (178 cm) shows Christ crowned with thorns, in a loincloth, seated on a rock and mourning before the crucifixion. The contrast between the slender upper body and heavier lower part symbolizes spirit and flesh, while the twisted torso and tilted head suggest movement. Likely Brabantine, it marked the church’s restoration, later moved in 1639, returned in the 19th century, and restored in the 1920s.

Classified treasury of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Floreffe Pulpit

The 17th century Floreffe pulpit, attributed to Pierre Schleiff, was bought in 1770 from the Norbertine Abbey for the church of Bouvignes. The oak piece shows busts of Saints Paul and Peter, cherubs among vines on the handrail, and the symbols of the four evangelists. Medallions depict the Virgin, Saint Augustine, Saint John, and Saint Norbert. Its original sounding board is lost; the dove now hangs at the choir crossing.

Eagle- lectern

This early 17th century copper alloy lectern, 150 cm tall, features an eagle symbolizing the sky, the soul, and the Holy Spirit, linked to Saint John and often shown with a globe of universal power. Such lecterns were common in medieval Europe. The Bouvignes example, its head bent like a pelican, evokes charity and Christ’s sacrifice. A light once hung from its head. It is attributed to coppersmith Antoine de Nassogne (†1621).

Funerary blade

Dating to around 1629, this 116 cm copper alloy piece was made for Antoine de Nassogne, alderman and copper beater, and his wife Marguerite le Bidart. It bears their coat of arms and depicts a wild man with a club above a helmet, along with shields, a small cauldron and a winged angel’s head. Once placed in the church choir, it was broken by a falling bell and restored before 1888.

The new high altar

Glass table supported by two hands symbolizing Christ, made of a copper-based alloy (2004), created by artists Simon Lewi (1924–2020) and Piotr Stolowsky. Similar altars exist in Sainte-Croix de La Futaie in Watermael-Boitsfort, Saint-Joseph in Wezembeek-Oppem, Saint-Antoine de Padoue in Etterbeek, and Saint Michael’s Cathedral in Brussels. In Bouvignes, the artist also made the Saint-Lambert church cathedra.

Download the plan of the remarkable elements