This remarkable rood loft, which I have figured in the plates, is worked
in oak, and has been richly painted. The arrangement of the crucifix,
and images of our Blessed Lady and St. John, is very singular, as they
are placed in front of the loft, instead of being elevated above it. The
two thieves are also represented, as is usual in the Crucifixions and
Calvaries in Brittany. The crosses to which they are attached are
composed of branches of trees.
On the Epistle side the Fall of Man caused by the first Eve, and on the
opposite angle the Redemption of Man, through the second Eve, the
Blessed Virgin, to whom the angel is announcing the mystery of the
incarnation.
There are several very curious carvings in the frieze, among which the
popular subject of the mass of S. Martin is easily distinguished.
The church which contains this very curious rood loft is situated in a
remote locality, and almost deserted; but a few years since, this
venerable relic of ancient piety and art was actually on the point of
being sold, had not a neighbouring innkeeper, who derived no small
profit from the lovers of antiquity, whom this screen brought to his
house, so resolutely opposed its removal, that it was at length suffered
to remain.