Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Le Douhet

San Martial, parish church of Le Douhet is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built and the building got unbalanced and unstable. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. Here is a corbel, depicting the "Descent from the Cross". John 19:38 "After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body." The stones, used in medieval times all over the Saintonge, were very soft and so ideal for complex carvings. Unfortunately they weathered over the centuries.

San Martial, parish church of Le Douhet is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built and the building got unbalanced and unstable. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. San Martial was for sure a place, where pilgrims stopped (for a while). So it is no surprise, that the facade is covered by many small carved graffiti ( here are four). They are kind of strange. I found many crosses, but neither "soles" nor "horse-shoes", that were often carved in by pilgrims.

San Martial, parish church of Le Douhet is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built and the building got unbalanced and unstable. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. One of the apostles, populating the outer archivolt, is Saint Jacques ("Saint James"). The saint is dressed like a pilgrim and holds the pilgrim´s staff. There may have been a "coquille" once as well... The stones all over the Saintonge were very soft and so ideal for complex carvings. Unfortunately they weathered over the centuries. I have tried to walk with such a long stick in 2005, but could not get used to it. Since then I use two walking sticks, what is - for me - very convenient.

San Martial, parish church of Le Douhet is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built and the building got unbalanced and unstable. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. Here a detail from the frieze. For a while, I saw Samson´s haircut (depicted in Aulnay), but this person is just too small. Maybe brawling pilgrims.... The stones all over the Saintonge were very soft and so ideal for complex carvings. Unfortunately, they weathered over the centuries.

San Martial, parish church of Le Douhet is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built and the building got unbalanced and unstable. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. The inner archivolt has four angels flanking the Agnus Dei. Carved in a style similar to Fenioux and Aulnay. The outer archivolt is populated by the apostles and, seated on a throne in the center, God with a cross nimbus.

It was very hot and, after I had passed the large "Château du Douhet", arrived at Saint-Martial, where I took a rest under the chestnut trees. San Martial is a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple (not to be seen from here) was built. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. The well balanced "harmony" of the facade got destroyed, when the massive buttress on the left was added.

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built. The western facade is richly decorated with friezes and archivolts over the portal and the flanking blind arches, but as well some less gifted artists (or vandals?) left their marks. There are lots of crosses, simple blazons and two characters, that remind me on mysterious people from Roswell (New Mexico).

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built. The western facade is richly decorated with friezes and archivolts over the portal and the flanking blind arches. There are as well some remarkable corbels. Some of them are weathered, like this "Descent from the Cross". Joseph of Arimathea takes the body of Jesus down from the cross. A 13th century legend tells, that Joseph in his old age travelled to Glastonbury, where he buried the Holy Grail.

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built. The western facade is richly decorated with friezes and archivolts over the portal and the flanking blind arches. There are as well some remarkable corbels. Here is a mouth puller, presenting his ivories.

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built. The western facade is richly decorated with friezes and archivolts over the portal and the flanking blind arches. Here is the frieze near the wooden door. On the right side is a lion tamer, the left person seems to play with a large snake.

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built. The western facade is richly decorated with friezes and archivolts over the portal and the flanking blind arches. Here is one of the apostles on the left side of the outer archivolt (see previous upload for an overview).The "chequered" archivolt over the blind arch to the very left ends, where the buttress was built in the 15th century.

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple was built. The portal is richly decorated. Here are the archivolts over the entrance. The inner archivolt is centered by the Lamb, enframed by adoring angels. The outer archivolt has a Majestic Christ vertically in the center - and the apostles by the sides.

In the center of Le Douhet, a village just 12 kms north east of Saintes, is Saint Martial, a 12th century structure, that had to be stabilized by buttresses within the 15th century, when a steeple (not to be seen from here) was built. The portal, erected in the typical Saintonge-style, is richly decorated. The well balanced "harmony" of the facade got destroyed, when the massive buttress on the left was added.