Sainte-Amélie Church stands out for its breathtaking décor. Upon entering, it is easy to understand at first glance that the workmanship is simply outstanding.

With a style deeply rooted in Italian tradition, Guido Nincheri sought inspiration, among other things, in the great Renaissance artists such as Titian, Michelangelo and Raphael.

The vaulted ceiling in the nave, the main part of the church, immediately draws attention. It is divided into eight (8) sections, called spans, by structural arches. 

Each span is made up of twenty-four (24) coffers, most of which are embellished with stylized flowers and crosses. The angels were added to complement the vault’s décor.

Nincheri was renowned for his vibrant and colourful depictions, and the angels are a fine example of this. To create realistic figures, he would use models. Can you guess who the artist asked to sit for him when he painted these angels?

To answer the question, you need to know that at the time, the Sainte-Amélie school was located near the church. The artist therefore called on the girls who attended the establishment!

Take the time to appreciate the finesse with which the artist painted the faux reliefs and the shading. These trompe-l’oeil reliefs were also common practice in Italian Renaissance art.

Guido Nincheri not only had a good command of colours, he was also exceptionally skilled at rendering forms. Look at the side panels of the coffers in the vault: it is almost as though the stone sculptures actually exist. This is not so: they are motifs created using trompe l’oeil. Thanks to his dexterity with the paintbrush, Nincheri created the impression of three-dimensional reliefs all over the church. You can see these artistic illusions surrounding the stained-glass windows, on the arches and walls, and even around the light fixtures.