Angels of Poissy

This sculpted ensemble reflects the "courtly" style that developed in the 14th century. It represents several angels carrying the instruments of the Passion.

This set of four statues probably depicted the Last Judgement, which is suggested by the trumpet one of the angels is still holding. One of the other two angels seems to be holding a crown and another is holding Christ’s Crown of Thorns. These objects evoke the instruments of the Passion of Christ, when Jesus was martyred, and refer to the relics that the king of France, Saint Louis, acquired during his reign.

The last angel has delightful youthful features, laughing eyes, and a discreet smile. The beatitude on its face undoubtedly symbolises celestial felicity.

These sculptures are directly linked to the moment when King Louis the 9th of France was made a saint in 1297. Louis’s canonisation was a major event for the Capetian monarchy! And it was for that reason that the same year, his grandson Philip the fourth, known as Philip the Fair, founded the monastery of Poissy in honour of his grandfather. The monastery was located opposite the church in which Saint Louis was baptised.

The priory church of Saint-Louis-de-Poissy was demolished during the French Revolution. These angels are ones of the few vestiges of what must have been a major royal undertaking.