Sainte Catherine

Wall paintings

The mural paintings are from the 16th century. This is a real comic strip "avant la lettre". For the most part, they represent the martyrdom of Saint Barbara. Other paintings of the same make decorate the arches formed by the three pillars of the church. In her thesis (1979) Anne Dudant was able to date these masterpieces between 1540-1560. The paintings between the second and third columns are by another artist, perhaps by a local painter ? Maybe from a later date ? Attention should be drawn to the difference that exists between a painting applied to a painted underlayer and a fresco applied to a layer of lime.

This explains the great vulnerability to these works of art as well as their rarity.

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 is said to have been dated from the period 1594-1640. It is decorated with floral motifs and is flanked on both sides by an angel.

Originally this theoteek was placed in the main altar. Fortunately it was secured and is now built into the tower next to tombstones with coats of arms.

Note: A tabernacle is used to store consecrated hostels. Usually this is built into the main altar or forms an independent object that is placed in the choir. Although also present in other neighbouring churches (Beaufays, Soiron) a theoteek is a rather rare architectural element.

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