Relief in Carved Wood, "Saint James", 17th Century

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Relief in Carved Wood, "Saint James", 17th Century

About the Item

The rider is Saint James, identified by his pilgrim hat and the shells that adorn this garment and the cloak he wears. Santiago de Zebedeo, also called Saint James el Mayor (in Spain mostly known as Santiago), was one of the Apostles of Jesus and is recognized by the pilgrim garments and the scallop shells in relation to his tomb in Compostela. Iconographically, one of the ways in which he can appear is known as "Santiago Matamoros" or "in the Battle of Clavijo": the Apostle would have appeared to King Ramiro I in a dream, advising him to start the fight against the Muslims in Clavijo (La Rioja), an alleged confrontation that would have taken place in 844 and which justified the so-called Saint James Vote. Although it seems that this battle would be included in the chronicles from Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada around 1243 and was not real, it gave rise to one of the most well-known representations of this Martyr (died decapitated by order of the King of Judea Herod Agripa I in Jerusalem and his disciples brought his body to Spain). The figures at the feet of the saint are vanquished Muslims, identified by their turbans, their physical appearance and the crescent moon quartering the shield that one carries. Although the saint would not have actually intervened in the struggle, he has always been represented by taking part in it as a victorious rider, with the sword high and struggling. Its popularity has increased markedly since the second half of the 15th century, when it was used as an emblem of the struggle (and victory) of Catholicism against all its enemies: Turks, heretics, etc. The present work was part of an altarpiece dedicated to the Apostle, hence the rear has not been carved. It is necessary to emphasize the quality of the carving and the movement that present the main figures, as it corresponds to the time in which the work was carried out. The dovetail that joins the two tables that make up the relief are a sample of the Carpenter tradition of the sculptors of the Baroque and not usually present to the sight, being hidden by the polychrome. Size: 60 x 20 x 94 cms.

Dimensions:
Height: 37.01 in (94 cm)Width: 23.63 in (60 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)
Style:
Baroque (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Spain
Period:
17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
17th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
Madrid, ES
Reference Number:
Seller: Z52631stDibs: LU295139678543