Rosheim - Saints-Pierre-et-Paul

The construction of the "Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul" started around 1150. The church is known for the carvings. Though some of these got damaged during the French Revolution, most of them are still in place. Size and the quality of some of them is really breathtaking.

Actually, there are two sculptures of men, sitting on a steep triangel between the red roofs.

This one sits opposite to the other, seen before. The sculpture is about lifesize, perfectly carved, probably both were carved by the same master. A masterpiece!

A man, older than his "collegue", sitting on the roof in a relaxed pose. Barefoot, dressed in a kind of long shirt. He looks haggard, ascetic and has a large head. His eyes are shut. He holds his long beard. He seems to be contemplating about - life and death? Or is he waiting for something to happen? Moss has grown on his 800 year old forehead.

He stands in full contrast to the younger, well dressed, wine-drinking (?) man on the other side of the crossing tower. Maybe they are just symbols and stand for "young" and "old". A kind of "memento mori".

Here is his younger "collegue".
www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/5386151210/