Statues - Hither & Thither

Site Search:

Rue Kreisker
(église Saint-Jerôme)

La chasse Saint-Hubert

The Hunt of Saint Hubert

St. Hubert (c. 656-727 A.D.), Bishop of Liège in 708; patron saint of hunters, mathematicians, opticians, and metalworkers. As Hubert was pursuing a stag or hart, the animal turned and he saw a crucifix standing between its antlers, while he heard a voice saying: 'Hubert, unless thou turnest to the Lord, and leadest an holy life, thou shalt quickly go down into hell.' (Wikipedia)

16th century

Description

Group of six sculptures of Kersanton granite, depicting the legend of St. Hubert.

Hubert was reportedly a great lover of pleasure and his chief passion was the chase, to which he devoted nearly all his time. According to the legend, Hubert was afield the morning of Good Friday (while the faithful were crowding into church) and he was participating in the chase of a deer on horseback with his famous hounds. As he was pursuing a magnificent stag, and in a clearing in the forest, the animal stopped and turned. Hubert was astounded at perceiving a crucifix suspended between its antlers, while he heard a voice from the figure of Christ say, "Hubert, unless you turn to the Lord, and lead a holy life, you shall quickly fall into the abyss of Hell!"

Converted, St. Hubert became bishop of Tongeren and Maastricht and Liege (Belgium), and built many churches.

An extra addition to the group is Jehan le Gentil de Barvédel, High Bailiff of Cornouaille in 1524, who commissioned the sculpture. Jehan is represented standing, dressed in the costume of the grand bailiff, and taking the horse of St. Hubert.

the crucifix suspended between the antlers

Hubert's hounds

Jehan le Gentil de Barvédel, holding the reins of Hubert's horse

Hubert kneeling and listening to God

Annotation

This group was previously placed against the wall of the rectory and could only be seen from one side. In the early 1950s, the groups was moved to the present location, on a base of granite and schist.

Sources & Information

Mairie de Cast, Patrimoine.
Ministere de culture, Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel.

Locatie (N 48°9'27" - W 4°8'20") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: frbr071; Photograph: 29 May 2012
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

Your banner here? Click for information.