MAISON LIGIER RICHIER

The Ligier Richier House, located at 7 rue Haute des Fosses in Saint-Mihiel, is considered to be the one acquired by the Sammiellan sculptor Ligier Richier in 1535. He lived there until 1564, when he left for Geneva*. During the restoration work begun in 2012, the discovery of walled doorways with the adjoining house (n°5 rue Haute des Fosses) tends to establish that the current house known as Ligier Richier was probably the "beautiful room" of a larger residence during the Renaissance period. Around 1750, the abbot Dom Calmet, who was staying in Saint-Mihiel, reported that there was a magnificent fireplace inside, the large mantle of which (classified as a historical monument) can now be seen in the town hall of Han sur Meuse. Today, the ceiling (approx. 50 m²) remains, made up of massive oak beams and trilobed joists, pendant caissons and terracotta struts made from moulds. The fleuron decoration of the caissons is inspired by Roman Antiquity: a stylistic comparison can be made with the decorative motifs of the centurion's breastplate and the tomb of the Sepulchre (Saint Etienne Church in Saint-Mihiel). This early 16th century terracotta ceiling is the only example known to date in Europe. It is attributed to Ligier Richier although there is no formal proof. It is one of the rare testimonies of the decoration of a beautiful civil residence of the Renaissance, the testimonies that have come down to us being mainly those of noble or ecclesiastical buildings. The ceiling was dismantled in 1918, transferred to Metz and then to the Louvre, and reassembled in 1921, when it was classified as a Historic Monument. The various treatments it has undergone since the Renaissance (whitewash, paint), the significant soiling due to the use of fireplaces and coal stoves, and the observation of numerous cracked or even missing elements, now require in-depth restoration. Catherine Sidrot, the current owner, would like to turn this unique place into a working and exhibition space oriented towards photography." Visits possible outside the Heritage Days. Contact: Tourist Office *References - Charles Souhaut 1883 - Paul Denis 1911 - Michel Dumont 1990 and since then all publications relating to Ligier Richier