Tableau Saint-Eloi et le miracle du pied de cheval coupé

This oil on canvas, classified as an object of historical monuments since 1975, is signed by Nicolas Mignard (1606-1668), «Painter of the King» Louis XIV. Saint Eloi, advisor to King Dagobert is considered as the «patron» of goldsmiths, blacksmiths’ corporations and wheelwrights. The painting made in 1645 represents Saint Eloi, of life size high, kneeling, questioning the sky. In response, the clouds open, revealing two little angels. The left hand of Eloi, in ecstasy, returns to his breast; the other designates the Cross and a Bishop hat placed alongside heavy wrought iron objects. The scene in the background, is the representation of one of the legends attached to the life of Saint Eloi. The upper part of the sumptuous frame of gilded wood represents a sheaf of wheat, very symbolic of the food that the earth brings us. This work restored in 2019 is visible at the Saint- Denys church.