Dancing Macabre At The Chapel In Kermaria-An-Iskuit

Kermaria-an-Iskuit's chapel had its origins in the 13th century, with an assortment of additions in subsequent centuries, creating a sort of L-shaped church, with Gothic accents here and there. Its most famous feature is the 15th century Danse Macabre painted in fresco on its interior walls. The Danse Macabre--corpses leading the living in a dance toward death--is a well-known scene but not something one often sees. It is a reminder that in death we are all equal, no matter our station in life. (Really of little comfort, if you ask me). Kermaria's is an early example. Some of the people first viewing it might well have had at least indirect memories of the Black Death of the mid-14th century, and its numerous after-shocks, when a third of Europe died. ("My uncle Francois said the Black Death really sucked'). But there was much else in this old chapel to admire and appreciate.

The chapel at Kernaria-an-Iskuit

The porch

Polychrome sculptures on the porch

Other side; like everything here, very old-looking

Weathered gargoyle

Inside, part of the Danse Macabre

Other side

Key to the players, their various roles, occupations...

Locations of other Danses Macabres in Europe

Interior figure

Just one funny face

Said to be a 12th century Mary and Child

OK, another funny face

Barrel vaulting

Staircase to...

Skull box; what? your church doesn't have a skull box?

Old-looking stuff all over

The vaulting cross-beams all had these toothy supports

Fascinating place