Capitals from the apse of the abbey Sainte-Croix

Tradition indicates that the abbey Sainte-Croix of Quimperlé was founded in 1029 by Saint Gurloës thanks to a donation from the Count of Cornouaille Alain Canhiart; in reality, the foundation probably took place in the years 1040-1050. It was one of the powerful abbeys in Brittany and had many priories and other outbuildings. Placed under the commendation regime in 1553, the abbey declined somewhat, until it was taken over by the congregation of Saint-Maur in 1665. Almost all the capitals of the apse are original, with the exception of one, redone after the disaster of 1862. They present two registers of plant decorations, often of Corinthian inspiration, but opposite which the sculptor shows a certain freedom: small multi-lobed or hemmed leaves, even interlacing decorations in the lower register of certain baskets. The upper register bears large, angular leaves, or bouquets linked by a ring, where sometimes small animal or human heads slip. Model made by photogrammetry with 271 photos.