In flea markets, religious antiques are featured as Easter approaches

Eric Deflandre met en vente un Christ en bois, qui pèse une centaine de kilos. MIDI LIBRE – Alexis BETHUNE

La foire de Barjac, près d’Alès, accueille des centaines d’exposants jusqu’au 1er avril. Et les objets prisés, avant Pâques, sont les objets religieux.

Among the thousands of unusual objects displayed on the hundreds of stands at the Barjac fair, set up until April 1, one type of well-known object is one of the most popular objects in the world. nbsp;individual can be found on many stalls.

Coming from Moldova, the statuette is dated from the 20th century. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

Objects representing the Virgin Mary, available in all its forms, materials and colors, are prized by collectors, but also by individuals. "Each one has a different story with this character, a special affection for her, assures Christine Bérenguier, second-hand dealer and regular at the annual fair. It is an object of piety steeped in history, and whether it is damaged or not, buyers are looking to have an object that has lived experience, had a special relationship with those who touched it, or possessed it. These are very personal purchases."

Religious purchases for Easter

On her stand, held alongside her sister, Laurence and her partner, two figurines stand out. One, is a representation of a saint, dressed in a blue toga, whose name is unknown, from Spain. The other is a Virgin sheltered by a wooden niche, no higher than thirty centimeters. "The latter comes from Moldova, brought back from a humanitarian trip. It probably dates from the end of the 20th century. It was fashionable to paint cheekbones of the Virgin ", explains Laurence Bérenguier.

While the fair traditionally takes place on Easter weekend, it is not surprising that religious objects are in the sights of locals and tourists, who come in numbers despite the windy weather.

The Saints figurines are also a great success with buyers. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

"The Notre-Dame and the Virgins are enormously sought after by the French, or Europeans in general. Other nationalities will rather look for crucifixes, as pendants or as decoration. The statuettes of different saints are going like hot cakes, specifies Christine Bérenguier.

José Da Silva also sells some bells, a coveted item as Easter weekend approaches. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

An observation shared by Eric Deflandre and Pascal Hinek, Belgian antique dealers, who exhibited in the foreground of their stall a wooden Christ from the 18th century, which weighs around a hundred kilos. "These are objects that sell, many identify with them", assure the sellers.

Some items for sale are oversized. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

And the more disproportionate the religious figures, the quicker they leave. "Papy Brocante", as he calls himself, is "almost safe" that the 300kg cast iron Christ, who is waiting in the trailer of his truck, will leave.

Unusual religious objects, like this church bench, are also on sale. FREE NOON – Alexis BETHUNE

As did the church pew, which he had restored. "Even if it’s for decoration& quot;.

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