Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Bellenaves

The parish church of Bellenaves, dedicated to Saint Martin, was a part of priory, when it was built in the second half of the 12th century. The carvings in- and outside the church differ totally in artistic style and technic. Here, just a few meters away from the "elegant" and very "artistic"-one, a capital carved in a very rough and archaic style. A man, standing in the middle between two evil dragons. Though the beasts, having two feet, wings, a dragon´s tail and a crocodile´s head, obviously try hard to frighten the guy. He seems stable, standing legs apart. He is not impressed, but very confident. "The dragons cannot harm you. They cannot lay a single finger on you..." was probably part of the sermon.

The parish church of Bellenaves, dedicated to Saint Martin, was a part of priory, when it was built in the second half of the 12th century. The carvings in- and outside the church differ totally in artistic style and technic. Here is a very elegant (marble?) capital. Two large bearded men on the sides, a comparably gigantic head in the middle between them. The two men may fight or dance - or just step forward to "showcase" the head. Then this may be the head of John the Baptist.

The parish church of Bellenaves, dedicated to Saint Martin, was a part of priory, when it was built in the second half of the 12th century. The triangular tympanum seems to have been carved for another place, but it has been here since early times. Christ in the mandorla, two angels holding it. Christ seats on a piece of architecture, arcades can be seen. This is typical for the Burgundian style, often seen about 100 kms northeast. But the details, carved perfectly in the Brionnais, lack that certain elegance here. The lintel depicts the "Last Supper" - and to the very right the "Washing of the Feet".

The parish church of Bellenaves, dedicated to Saint Martin, was a part of priory, when it was built in the second half of the 12th century. The western facade, seen here, with the central portal and the arcades above is clearly influenced by the burgundian architecture. When the bell-tower over the crossing was finished, the gothic style was already dominant.