The original Christ in Majesty

Christ en majesté de la chapelle des moines

The Cluniacs developed a new and original iconography, adapted to the needs of the monks' chapel, a private space reserved for the abbot and his distinguished guests.

The handing over of the law also implies Christ's victory over death. Christ stands with right hand raised and palm open, in the Sol invictus gesture. designating him to all as victorious.

This concept has been adapted and completed at Berzé, with the presence of a river of paradise , the personification of which is painted at the beginning of the nave.

Christ en majesté peint dans la conque de l'abisde
© Centre des monuments nationaux / David Bordes

Christ's feet rest on a green background, where tradition would have him overhang an ancient divinity or a mound. . Seated in a large mandorla . In keeping with Cluniac religious dogma, the various biblical scenes and characters are depicted according to new typological relationships between the different levels of the apse.

Such iconographic choices were intended to serve Cluniac propaganda and promote the transmission of ideas linked to the reform of church independence. It is therefore new and unique.

Vue de l'abside depuis la nef de la chapelle des moines
© Centre des monuments nationaux / David Bordes

The paintings were repainted in the Gothic period. Originally, the chapel's Christ wore a bright yellow cloak that was later repainted red, perhaps to give it an imperial connotation.

The yellow-clad Christ, in imitation of a gilded cloth, recalls early Christian and Carolingian models from Rome. In mural painting, yellow was a substitute for gold , and its luminosity was enhanced by the abundant use of lapis lazuli blue for the backgrounds.

On either side of Christ's mandorla are two groups of figures. These are two deacons and two abbots, illustrating the succession of functions of the apostles and the hierarchy of the church.