The Cross at Matines

We found an old cross at the entrance to our house. It needed some attention, to reset it in its base, and reposition it. We believe it was first placed by our neighbour's mother, Madame Périan, who lived in the house nearest the road, which is now our terrace. Crosses - croix de chemin - are found throughout France at crossroads, and various paths meet here.

It was rusty and needed attention, so I decided to decorate it. I tried numerous designs in the initial sketches, but the final design incorporates symbolism that is important to us.

There is a dove of peace at the centre and the fruiting quince behind to represent the tree of life (there is a real quince tree very close the cross.) There are springs of living water coming up from the base, and the descending fire of the Holy Spirit at the top.