Les relevés des peintures murales de Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe aux XIXe et XXe siècles : l’aquarelle au service de la conservation

A collection of over 3700 watercolor surveys, housed in the Mediathek for Architecture and Cultural Heritage, provides a comprehensive historical record of the renowned Romanesque murals at the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. These surveys, initiated as early as 1840 by heritage authorities with support from the Committee for Fine Arts and Monuments, document the church's murals—one of the first ensembles to be systematically copied in France. Conducted alongside restoration campaigns that uncovered additional murals, these watercolor records serve as crucial 'auxiliary works' preserving the medieval wall decorations' historical memory. The study highlights their significance in conservation efforts and the evolution of policies aimed at safeguarding France's medieval mural heritage.

Jeannest, É. (2011). Les relevés des peintures murales de Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe aux XIXe et XXe siècles : l’aquarelle au service de la conservation. Bulletin Monumental, 169(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.3406/bulmo.2011.7926