Station of the Cross |
Couiza Church |
Rennes-le-Chateau Church |
Mouthoumet Church |
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Stations of the Cross Frames |
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Comparing the Stations of the Cross from the churches at Rennes-le-Chateau, Couiza and Mouthoumet
The Stations of the Cross appearing in the the Couiza and Mouthoumet churches have very similar looking designs to those at Rennes-le-Chateau. This side by side comparison will at last prove that these Stations, though similar, are not, as some have said, exactly the same as the Stations in Sauniere's Mary Magdalene church.
The numbering of Sauniere's Stations do not always match the sequence of the Couiza and Mouthoumet church Stations so I have matched the designs for comparison purposes.
(Click images for larger Hi-Res version if available)
When Sauniere's Station designs are compared with the ones in Mouthoumet and Couiza, the Mouthoumet Stations are a better match.
In conclusion it seems that some of the Rennes-le-Chateau and Mouthoumet Stations may have been from the same mould design. While others maybe supplied at an earlier or later date to replace those that had deteriorated, seem to be from a different mould. It is not known if these Stations were supplied by Giscard, but it seems likely given the similarities with Sauniere's church Stations of the Cross and the frame design. The cross on the top match exactly, but this could just be a common cross design used at that time. The certain deference between the two Station designs, may be more evidence that Saunière, for some unknown reason, did indeed make certain changes to some of his Stations to portray the message, if any, he wished to hide in his Stations. Alternatively it could just be that Saunière made the changes because he thought they looked better. We know Sauniere was a stickler for details whatever the reason. Sauniere did though it seem have a vision he wanted the church decorations to portray, and in all likelihood it was more than just a religious message.
Thank you to Jürg for sending me the Couiza Station 6 Photograph.
Related Links and Articles
Stations of the Cross - Quick Compare Guide 2 - Rlc and Jean d'Alcas side by side
Mouthoumet Church by Ben Hammott
The Church of Couiza by Fillip Coppens
Stations of the Cross Menu - A more detailed look at the Stations of the Cross
Home - Research Menu 1 or 2 - Discoveries Menu
