Bazoilles, church - sculpture
This sculpture is located above the entrance door of the Saint-Martin Church.
This statue probably represents Saint Martin of Tours, a very common figure in churches bearing his name. Here are the elements that support this interpretation:
The presence of the horse: Saint Martin is often depicted on horseback, a central element of his iconography.
The gesture of sharing: The statue seems to represent Saint Martin cutting or handing a piece of his coat to a poor man. This scene refers to the famous episode where, according to tradition, Saint Martin cuts his coat in two to give one half to a beggar frozen with cold.
The kneeling poor man: We see a man kneeling or crouching, who represents the beggar receiving help from the saint.
This representation illustrates a key moment in the life of Saint Martin, which symbolizes Christian charity. This type of statue is very common in churches dedicated to Saint Martin, particularly in France.
Photo taken in avril 2022.
