Musées de Langres – Maison des Lumières Denis Diderot – Musée d'Art et d'Histoire

The provenance of this parclose screen is uncertain. It was dismantled during the Revolution and decorated a garden before coming into the hands of the Langres Historical and Archaeological Society in 1847. Its similarities with the ornamental repertoire of various architectural vestiges conserved in Langres Cathedral suggest that it may be linked to refurbishment work carried out in the second half of the 16th century.

The screen combines ornamental effects of transparency with a clear structure. The fine stonework shows great craftsmanship. Some of the screen’s many ornaments were inspired by the architectural works of Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau (circa 1515– 1585); others, notably the plant and animal motifs, as well as the angels on the open-work, can be found on furniture.

The screen probably dates from between 1565 and 1570. Its dimensions match those of some of the Cathedral’s chapels. The pre-eminence of the angel motif may suggest that it used to screen off a funerary chapel or a chapel connected to the choir.