Montmorillon Saint-Larent-and-Saint-Vincent

This church belonged to a large "Maison Dieu" ensemble, that was founded as a hospital in the 11th century by Robert II of France (aka "Robert the Pious"), the son of Hugo Capet. This hospital, run by monks, provided food and shelter for the pilgrims and the sick. Though the hospital, that as well was a convent, got severely damaged over the centuries, it always got rebuilt. Today the buildings are renovated and house the local retirement home.

This 12th century frieze is placed very high on Saint-Larent-and-Saint-Vincent´s tower, but the position did not save it. Some iconoclastic vandals must have taken lots of effort to climb up and vandalize the frieze. This may have happened during the Wars of Religion or just after the French Revolution.

Seen is the Nativity from the Annunciation to the flight to Egypt.

Here is a detailled frame. The "Adoration of the Magi", again (see previous upload) Jesus is lost, but the cross-nimbus is still in place.