Holy Light

by Bert Hermans · Gouda, NL

In 1983, during one of his trips to France, Bert visited the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. The church and lighting (“Holy Light”) made a shattering impression on him then. In combination with the architecture, the world-famous frescoes and the organ playing that he heard at the time, this building is etched in his memory. So it asked for a painting. History The abbey church is a Romanesque church from the mid-11th century and was dedicated to Saints Savinus (Savin) and Cyprian. The church has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. It is the oldest hall church in the Poitou region. The architect was François Le Duc and the church is inspired by the architecture of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. The choir and transept date from 1060 to 1085 and the nave from 1095 to 1115. The church contains frescoes from the Old Testament, which is why this church is also called the "Romanesque Sistine Chapel".