# History of the work

Carved from dark-grey limestone in the mid-12th century, the baptismal font was originally part of the Saint-Martin church in Cousolre (Nord), part of the ancient diocese of Cambrai.

Saints Walbert and Bertille are said to have been responsible for the construction of the local church. Members of the local Neustrian aristocracy in the 7th century, they had two daughters: Saint Waudru and Saint Aldegonde, who later became the collatrix of the parish on which Saint-Martin church depended.

In 1525, this vat, also known as "Saint Walbert's stone", was replaced and placed in a garden adjoining the church, where it served as a rainwater reservoir. The surface of the object was damaged by time spent exposed to the elements. The tank was then moved to the back of a courtyard in Cousolre, where it was covered with manure.

It was rediscovered in the 19th century by Alfred Jennepin, a local historian. The vat was then moved to the garden of a local school, and finally donated by the historian to the Palais des Beaux-Arts in 1882.

IGN map showing the grey limestone quarrying area in the 12th century.
Source : Géoportail.

Geological map showing the grey limestone quarrying area in the 12th century.
Source : Géoportail.