The nostalgia of Frédéric Mistral - Focillon The nostalgia of Frédéric Mistral | Focillon Humane ClubMade with Humane Club

The nostalgia of Frédéric Mistral

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Published May 20, 2022
Updated Oct 26, 2022
📍 🇫🇷 The nostalgia of Frédéric Mistral Designated a historical monument by Prosper Mérimée in 1840, today as in Mistral’s time, this Provençal Romanesque hidden jewel stands amidst olive trees and is surrounded by bull farms. Saint-Gabriel (ca. 1175 or 1180) displays a rich sculptural programme composed of biblical narratives of Daniel in the Lions’ Den, the Temptation and Fall of Adam and Eve, and the Annunciation and Visitation, all of which are set within an antique pediment comprised of re-used materials (spolia) dating from antiquity and spolia-like architectural elements citing the past. Now listen to Frédéric Mistral telling its tale: “La petite église romane De Saint-Gabriel, non loin de là, Semble, pauvrette, s’ennuyer, Abandonnée par les Chrétiens Depuis nombre et nombre d’années… Mais les plantes du bon Dieu, Dans le préau de son parvis, Aux trous des murs massifs, Entre les pierres de son toit de dalles, Ont pris racine et fleurissent: Encens agreste que la chaleur du jour… Et moi, le félibre de Maillane, Passant aujourd’hui devant le porche De ton église veuve et pauvre Qui n’a pour orgue que le vent. O saint Gabriel de Tarascon, A mon tour, ému, je t’offre Ce petit poème nouveau Où ta blancheur apparaît souriante.” Notice its architectural elements, which evoke antiquity, echoing Roman buildings such as the Maison Carrée in Nîmes (ca. 2AD). Can you recognize the composition of Roman sarcophagi? This little chapel sure does deserve the detour! ____ Sources ____ >> Frédéric Mistral, “Epilogue for Nerte: Nouvello Prouvençalo,” July 7, 1883
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Theme:
City:
Tarascon
Country:
France
Region:
Europe
Century:
12th CE