Les Anges de Mons exhibition in Mons

Miracles and beliefs during the First World War

The legend of the Angels of Mons, inspired by a story by the writer Arthur Machen, was adopted by a British society that was in dire need of hope in the early months of the Great War. Depending on the version, the figure of Saint George appeared accompanied by celestial archers or angels dressed in white.

110 years after the iconic battle of 23 August 1914, this exhibition attempts to understand the popularity of this story by examining the phenomenon of miracles and apparitions that occurred during the war. It addresses the theme of religiosity, the need to believe in challenging times and decodes the links between culture and propaganda.