EXTERNAL LINKS
Hotels Namur
Trains
Walloon Government
 

The convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame (Couvent des Soeurs de Notre Dame) , situated in the rue Julie-Billiard, 17 is home to one of the most important and most beautiful art treasures in Belgium and Wallonia. Friar Hugo made this splendid collection of religious artifacts for a priory in the town of Oignies, now situated in the Belgian province of Hainaut. The treasure is proof that the work of the goldsmiths and artists of the Meuse Valley had reached an amazing level of skill and artistry by the 13th century. The art style of the Mosan artists would be replaced as from the 14th century by the French gothic style.

ABOUT HUGO D'OIGNIES

At the end of the 12th century Hugo, a goldsmith from the town of Walcourt, arrived in Oignies, a small city in Hainaut, together with his brothers Gilles, Robert and Jean who were priests. They founded a religious community where Hugo, now a monk, had his workshop. In 1207 Marie d'Oignies, daughter from a rich and noble family, came to live close to the new priory where she took care of the lepers. This increased the fame of the religious community and more and more pilgrims visited Oignies. Among them was the French preacher (later Cardinal) Jacques de Vitry. He joined the order, but soon left for the Holy Land. When he came back he brought with him numerous important relics. Hugo made a set of splendid shrines and relic-holders so that the relics could be displayed to the public. The treasure was probably made around 1228-1230. Hugo seems to have died after 1240, because then no more items were added to the treasure. After the closure of the Oignies priory by the French Revolutionists, the treasure ended up in the possession of the Sisters of Notre Dame  where it still is today. 

© All texts and pictures Copyright Trabel.com and Arakea.com.
Their use is not permitted without prior agreement.
Design by The Manta