Historical discoveries made during the diagnosis to renovate a church in Seine-et-Marne

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The discovery was made by chance, as part of the diagnosis for the renovation of Sainte-Geneviève church d'Héricy (Seine-et-Marne). An ambitious – but also costly – project for the town, since the estimates mentioned for the restoration of this building, whose construction dates back to the 12th^e century, are around €5.40 million including €1.5 to €2 million payable by the municipality… However, the findings made by the experts support the idea of ​​saving this building, classified to historical monuments.

Medieval sketches unearthed at the Héricy church?

“At one time, lime was widely used, particularly in churches,” recalls Frédéric Jametdeputy mayor of Héricy. By scratching it, experts uncovered sketches that could date from medieval times. »

Originally, Sainte-Geneviève church – from the name of the patron saint of the village who would have, in V^e century, conveyed supplies to the Parisians, besieged by the Huns – would have been founded on the site of an ancient chapel (current sacristy), installed around a cemetery.

In the 12th^e century, Louis VII founded the royal abbey of Barbeau and the village of Héricy will develop with the construction of the church. The work will continue in the 18th^e century with the construction of the bell tower and the nave.

“The discovery was made on a pillar and represents the silhouette of a character and other paintings were also found on pointed arches,” explains Frédéric Jamet. We should not extrapolate from these discoveries, but it reinforces our idea of ​​renovating this building. »

Special feature of the Sainte-Geneviève church: it has been the subject of several phases of construction over time. Its construction in the medieval period (in red in the photo), then an extension in the 15th^e century with the south aisle (in yellow) and additions: it will be completed at the end of the 16th century^e century with the north aisle.

However, the church has suffered the ravages of time and, according to the municipality, significant infiltrations accentuate the deterioration of the building. It is also waterproofing work that was recommended by the experts, in particular to allow the conservation of the painted decorations discovered during the diagnosis.

A second diagnosis around the church furniture

A second phase will then follow for the restoration of the walls and floors, but also the upgrading of electrical and heating standards. An investment that the municipality cannot support alone and the Drac d'Île-de-France (General Directorate of Cultural Affairs) has been contacted to obtain subsidies.

At the same time, the municipality will ask the Heritage Foundation, but also associations or patrons to help. “Sale of tiles, concerts, souvenir items: we will consider all possibilities to finance this work,” indicates Yannick Torresthe mayor of Héricy. A long-term project that would span several mandates. »

A second diagnosis will be launched, this time for the church furniture. The building houses historical objects, such as an altar – in very poor condition – which belonged to the Barbeau Abbey.

“It’s a monument within a monument, which also deserves to be saved,” concludes Frédéric Jamet. We are not immune to making other discoveries! » In 2005, as part of work at the church of Fleury-en-Bière, paintings which could be the work of Le Primaticce – or his disciples – had been discovered under a false ceiling.

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