AIRVAULT

. The former abbey church of Saint-Pierre at Airvault (Deux-Sevres) was founded under the patronage of Aldearde, the late 10th-century viscountess of Thouars. This community of Augustinian canons regular experienced a period of revival and expansion in the late 11th century under Abbot Pierre de Saine-Fontaine, who initiated the construction of a new church (consecrated 1110).

The building has an apse with an ambulatory and three radiating chapels, a transept with apsidioles off each arm, and a nave with aisles; it is preceded by an inexplicably off-center narthex. In the 13th century, the square pillars of the transept and choir were reconstructed in the Gothic style. Likewise, the apse, choir, and nave were revaulted in the Angevin manner—the aisles, however, retain their original barrel vaults—and a bell tower with spire was added.

The heavily ornamented interior displays work from both the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Historiated capitals depict biblical scenes, the occupations of the months, and scenes of knights in combat. Engaged statues include representations of St. Peter, the Virgin, St. John, and various animals. Throughout the building, vegetative and purely ornamented forms encrust moldings and keys.

In the north arm of the transept is a cenotaph to Pierre de Saine-Fontaine (12th c.). Nearby conventual buildings include the remains of a 15th-century Flamboyant cloister.

Nina Rowe

Grosset, Charles. “Etude sur les sculptures romanes d’Airvault.” Bulletin de la Societe des

Antiquaires de I’Ouest 4th ser. 3 (1955):41-47.

Rhein, Andre. “Airvault.” Congres archeologique (Angers-Saumur) 77(1910):119-29.