Eglise Saint-Michel, Dijon

Eglise Saint-Michel, Dijon

The Eglise Saint-Michel is a 16th century church famous for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

The Eglise Saint-Michel is a 16th century church famous for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. A church has existed on the site near the Castrum walls since the 9th century, but the present structure was constructed in 1497-1667, with interruptions caused by war. The main western façade by Hugues Sambin is a unique mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, as 16th century Burgundy witnessed a confluence of return to ancient forms and the influence of Italian art. It is flanked by 2 four-storey towers with rows of classical Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns, topped by balustrades which are surmounted by domed octagonal lanterns which culminate in a bronze ball. The main portal features a statue of archangel Saint Michael on a pedestal. The tympanum features the Last Judgement by Flemish painter Nicolas de la Cour. The central portal as well as the 2 side portals of the main façade feature rows of intricately carved angels in their vaulting, and busts of prophets in their spandrels. The entablature is decorated with scrolls and grotesque figures interspersed with texts from the Apocalypse, and reliefs of the Labours of Hercules can be seen at the ends. The portals of the transept are in Flamboyant Gothic style.

The apse, choir, high-vaulted nave, and transept are also Gothic. The interiors contain several outstanding works of art. Highlights include 4 paintings by Franz Krause obtained from the Carthusian monastery (Chartreuse de Champmol) - the 'Adoration of the Magi' with a Renaissance frame in the Chapel of the Virgin, 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' in the north transept, 'The Flight into Egypt' in the north transept, and 'The Presentation to the Temple'. The Chapel of the Virgin has an altarpiece with bas-reliefs depicting the 'Adoration of the Magi' by Jean Moreau. Other works are Matteo Nanini's 'The Martyrdom of Saint James the Greater', a sculpture of St Yves 'Eternal Father in the Clouds' by Jean Dubois, 'The Annunciation' by Philippe Quantin, 'The Annunciation' in the nave by Nicolas Bertin, 'Death of the Virgin' by Nicolas de Hoey, Gabriel Revel's 'Feast of Herod', and the sculptural ensemble around the fragment of a tombstone of the 15th century in the Chapel of the Sepulcher. The stained glass windows depicting 'St Michael slaying the Dragon', Saint Joseph, and Virgin surrounded by two sibyls in the Chapel of the Virgin are also noteworthy.