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The stained glass in the church at Viry 

This stained glass, in the only window in the flat end wall of the apse, stands out for its uniqueness and quality as a work of art in the circuit known as the "Chemins du Roman". Donated in 1510 by the lord of the manor, Charles le Saillant, to the parish of Viry, the gothic window became a listed monument in 1910.  

The stained glass occupies the three bays of the window. Flanking the Christ in Agony at the centre, Charles le Saillant and his wife Marguerite de Saligny kneel before their patron saint, Charlemagne, and St Marguerite ofAntioch.  The figures kneel beneath arches whose inner surface is decorated with coffering, and which rest on a base carrying the coat-of-arms of the donors.

Charles de Saillant and Charlemagne

From the 15th century, it became the custom for donors to the church (lords, senior members of the church) to have themselves represented kneeling in the stained glass windows which they were financing.  The stained glass testifies simultaneously to their generosity and to their piety.  At Chassy (in the canton of Guegnon) the lord's private chapel is still decorated with stained glass (15th century) which has the same characteristics.  

Arms of the donors

Popular tradition has it that this stained glass was made by a craftsman whose master was in Charolles.  Not able to tolerate the beauty of his pupil's work, which he could not equal himself, the master murdered him in the Viry woods whilst on the way to Vendenesse-lès-Charolles.

 
 

To carry on with the tour

  • No more site site in the locality

  • Less than 10 km

  • — Romanesque church of Baron
    Go West, in Baron's direction
     
  • — Romanesque church of Champlecy
    Go West, in Baron's direction
     
  • — Museum of Charolles' priory
    Open may to october
    7, rue du prieuré
    71120 Charolles
    Tél: 03 85 24 24 74
    Go South, in Charolles'direction
     

  • Tourist office

  • Charolles, 24 rue Baudinot
    Tél : 03 85 24 05 95
 

More info to carry on the tour on the Bourgogne du Sud's website

 

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