Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: capricorn

Fenioux, a small village with a population of less than 200, has this wonderful parish church "Notre-Dame de l’Assomption". Once the church was dedicated to "Saint-Savinien" and "Saint Pierre". It was built in the 12th century, about the same time, when Aulnay (27kms northeast) was under construction. The church was erected over a Carolingian oratory from the 9th century, of which some parts were integrated into the new building - and so still exist around the choir. The large, western facade, with its five archivolts is breathtaking. Though vandalized during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution, when many sculptures here lost their heads, this is still extraordenary. There are five semicircular archivolts - and ten capitals. The inner archivolt is covered with symmetric foliage in the "traditonal style saintongue". The second archivolt has the virtues defeating the vices, the third one is populated by six angels flanking an Agnus Dei. The parable of the "Wise and Foolish Virgins" can be seen on the fourth - and the fifth archivolt has a complete zodiac - and the names of the corresponding months. Here (SAGITARI)US - CABRICOR (= capricorn) - (NOVEMBE)R - DECEMBER This end the semicircular archivolt on the right side.

Gédouin and Ebo, Seigneurs of Parthenay, invited the monks from "La Chaise-Dieu" in the Auvergne (some 500kms south east), to establish a priory here in 1092. The parish church, that had existed here already before, got replaced then by the church seen now in the early 11th century. Despite the monks roots in the Auvergne the facade is done in the style, common to the area, so they obviously employed master builders with regional experiences. Meanwhile the priory is out of existence since centuries. The church and the remaining buildings are privately owned, but the church is not locked! Merci beaucoup! All pillars of the crossing have carved capitals. This one is decorated with two winged hybrid creatures, havig a goat´s top and a snake´s bottom. CAPRICORNIUS is written up there, so they are "sea goats" (half goat/half fish) - a zodiac sign. Or - (again!) they refer (a bit) to the Mélusine tale, like the ladies in the bathtubes and the mermaids may. This legendary water nymph, was a woman, who was a serpent or fish from the waist down (what was found out by her husband, seeing her in a bathtube).