Chantelle - Abbaye Saint-Vincent

A previous church at this place was once part of the castle, erected by the Earls of Bourbon on a rocky headland overhanging a meander of the Bouble. In 937 Odo of Cluny, who was the second abbot in Cluny, added this place as a priory to the cluniac sphere. The still existing romanesque church of the "Abbaye Saint-Vincent de Chantelle", was built within the 12th century. Monastic life declined later and after the French Revolution was sold. Mid 19th century it was "bought back" by the abbey of Pradines. Since 1890 ist is a monastery again. The nuns living and working here, produce herbal cosmetics - and sell the worldwide.

www.benedictines-chantelle.com/

Within the "public" area of the nave are some interesting carvings.

A man, having an unproportional large head and very short legs, is holding tools. There is a kind of hammer in his right and a chisel (?) in his left hand. Two more items are hanging down from his belt. Angle meters? The carving is a bit rough, not very delicate. Probably nor carved by one of the masters, that worked within the Auvergne.
But - in case the tools are identified correctly, this probably is a stone sculptor showing his tools. And in case this is right, then this capital may be counted as very early self-portrait!


Sorry for the bad quality of the photo.