Why is the Sainte-Agnès Church in Maisons-Alfort nicknamed the “Prism of Light”? Built in 1933 by architects Marc Brillaud de Laujardière and Raymond Puthomme, Sainte-Agnès is a charming 1930s gem. Listed as a historical monument in 1984, it stands out for its reinforced concrete frame, its 53-meter spire, and its decor conceived as a cohesive whole, all in the Art Deco style.
The nickname mainly stems from the enormous stained-glass windows crafted by Max Ingrand, back when he was a young master glassmaker. His panels blend reds, oranges, blues and greens in a dazzling composition that acts as a true prism: the white light from outside becomes, inside, a vibrant palette.
In the art of stained glass, color serves a mission: to create atmosphere, steer the gaze, envelop the visitor. Here, it engages in dialogue with the frescoes by Paule Ingrand, the sculptures by Gabriel Rispal, and the ironwork by Richard Desvallières. The result: the church almost feels like a total work of art. Moreover, it is these very stained-glass windows that have earned it the nickname the “Sainte-Chapelle des bords de Marne”, echoing the famous Paris monument.
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Location
Church of Sainte-Agnès in Maisons-Alfort
Rue Nordling
94700 Maisons Alfort
