Rosheim - Saints-Pierre-et-Paul

The construction of the "Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul" started around 1150. The church is known for the carvings. Though some of these got damaged during the French Revolution, most of them are still in place. Size and the quality of some of them is really breathtaking.

Near the base of the crossing tower, on a steep triangel between the red roofs - sits a man The sculpture is about lifesize, perfectly carved. A masterpiece! A man, sitting on the roof in a very relaxed pose. Frozen in a move. In some seconds, he would sit cross-legged. The man has a very individual, vivid face. A wart is over his upper lip.

Sometimes this sculpture is described as "Jew holding a money purse", but then the person would wear the specific hat. Others write about a "beggar", but he is very well clothed and carefully shaven. The object in his hand could be a purse, but as well a cup. Maybe he is just somebody enjoying the local white wine. His eyes are wide open. He is focussing on something far behind the horizon - since about 800 years!

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I wrote this when I uploaded photos I took in Rosheim in autumn 2010. Now in spring 2011 I just had to return - and the see same church again under a different light. This time I had more time and so I found some details I had not seen before.

Here is the photo I took in autumn:
www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/5386151210/