Le chantier de Saint-Hippolyte de Poligny (1414-1457) d'après les comptes de construction

The building-accounts of Saint- Hippolyte de Poligny, by Muriel Jenzer. The church of Saint-Hippolyte de Poligny is remarkably well preserved and documented, and precisely dated (1414-1457). Its architecture, with its seemingly traditional taste for murality, expresses in reality certain hesitations due to the changing esthetics of its time. The introduction of penetrating mouldings and the evolution of the supports bespeak the beginning of flamboyant art in Franche-Comté. The city, closely allied to the duke-counts of Burgundy, benefitted for the foundation of its new church from important support bestowed by Jean sans Peur and Philippe le Bon. This contribution was enhanced by the generosity of many patrons, induding the « polinois »Jean Chousat, counsellor to the court of Burgundy. The inhabitants also participated actively from 1427 on ward by financing the construction of the western parts of the edifice. The study of the municipal accounts and those of the sait tax provide the proof. Despite important gaps, these documents constitute a very valuable source. They permit the establishment of a relatively close chronology of construction by clarifying key dates (benediction of the choir in 1427, dedication in 1431) and by outlining the most intense phases of activity. Above ail, they supply countless indications concerning the building site, its structure and operation. They are informative about the provenance and transport of materials, about techniques and materials employed (centering, scaffolding, hoisting devices), as well as about the origin, remuneration and organisation of labour (successive teams, distribution of tasks).