Le roman du sarcophage dit de « Saint-Guilhem-Guillaume d'Orange», à Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault)

Abstract

The writer after reexamining thoroughly the study of the sarcophagus and the testimonies about it, concludes that it was made during the IVth century but adapted to the fashion during the Xlllth century (past 1200-1220) : work fully antique but simultaneously romanesque for its two thirds. It may have housed the saint Guilhem's remains but this fact is not attested. It is a very important document for the study of antic inspiration in the Xlllth century and it seaks for comparisons with monumental sculpture especially with the one of Saint-Gilles.