The Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon, also known as église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon in its native French, stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural grandeur of the 19th century. Nestled in the charming town of Mâcon in the Saône-et-Loire region of France, this neo-Romanesque church is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history and artistic excellence.
The decision to construct the Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon was made by the city of Mâcon, aiming to provide a new place of worship for the burgeoning population in the area. The task was entrusted to the architect André Berthier, a pupil of the renowned Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Despite financial difficulties during its construction, the church was completed with the assistance of Emperor Napoleon III, who provided crucial funds following a plea from the parish priest Jean-Claude Naulin in 1860.
The Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon is an exemplary model of 19th-century historicism and eclecticism. Stretching 75 meters in length and 30 meters in width, with a height of 18 meters at the keystone of its vault, the church is the largest in Mâcon. The structure is oriented from northwest to southeast, a common orientation for churches of its time.
The south façade is particularly striking, featuring a three-level elevation with three rounded portals. The tympanums above these portals are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the Last Judgment in the central section, the Assumption of the Virgin on one side, and the Martyrdom of Saint Peter on the cross on the other.
Upon entering the church, visitors are immediately drawn to the central nave, which is designed in a Gothic style with six bays and ribbed vaults. The side aisles open onto chapels decorated by contemporary artists, including the painter Jean-Baptiste Beuchot. The left side of the nave houses the pulpit, which narrates the life of Saint Peter through its intricate decorations.
The ambulatory of the Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon is home to four remarkable paintings, restored in 2007 and 2008. These include the Lamentation of the Three Marys at the Foot of the Cross, an oil on canvas closely related to a work by Prud'hon, a painter born in nearby Cluny. Another notable piece is Saint Joseph Carrying the Child Jesus and a Lily, an unsigned painting done in the style of Pierre Mignard. The Lamentation over the Dead Christ, an inverted copy of a work by Jean Jouvenet, and Saint John the Baptist Preaching in the Desert by Charles Valfort, a native of Mâcon, complete this impressive collection.
The chancel of the church features cultic furniture crafted by sculptor Philippe Kaeppelin in 1987. The altar and the Greek cross with four equal arms stand out prominently. The ambo of Saint Peter, with its imposing tablet, evokes the fish of Galilee on its anterior face. The tabernacle, represented by a large rectangle symbolizing the created world and a circle symbolizing the divine, adds to the spiritual ambiance of the chancel. Since June 2022, several large sculptures by Christian Oddoux, a sculptor from Lugny, have been displayed around the chancel. These include a depiction of Jesus crucified between the two thieves and a poignant sculpture of his mourning mother, Mary, titled Mater Dolorosa.
The church houses several chapels, each with its unique charm. The first chapel on the right upon entering features a fresco by the painter Mai-Thu, created in 1941 to honor the victims of the Great War. The Chapel of Our Lady of Loreto is another highlight, with an altar adorned by a bas-relief sculpted by Antoine-Michel Perrache, a renowned Lyonnais sculptor from the 18th century.
The chevet of the church is a replica of the chevet of the Abbey of Cluny, a nod to the rich monastic heritage of the region. The twin spires of the church, rising elegantly above the three portals, are capped with stone spires. The left tower is equipped with a clock, adding to the church's functionality and historical charm. The belfry houses four bells, each with distinct musical notes, although detailed information about them remains scarce.
The Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon is also home to two magnificent organs. The organ in the gallery was relocated from the Church of the Cordeliers in Mâcon in 1865 and underwent extensive restoration by organ builder Jean Dunand between 1973 and 1986. It boasts 32 stops and 2,307 pipes, producing a rich and resonant sound. The choir organ, crafted by the Parisian organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll and installed in 1866, features a neo-Gothic case. This historically classified instrument was completely rebuilt by organ builder Nicolas Martel.
In summary, the Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon is more than just a place of worship; it is a repository of history, art, and spiritual significance. Its towering spires, intricate sculptures, and majestic interiors invite visitors to explore the rich tapestry of Mâcon's cultural and religious heritage. A visit to this architectural gem offers a profound glimpse into the past and a serene escape into the world of neo-Romanesque splendor.
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