498 - Saint James the Less. Spanish School. 19th century

Saint James the Less. Spanish School. 19th century Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 82 x 101 cm. Saint James the Less appears in the foreground, standing, wearing a yellow tunic and red cloak, carrying a book and a mace—an attribute of his martyrdom. In the background, a narrative scene unfolds in which a figure is being executed in the presence of a large group of figures in procession and Roman soldiers, likely alluding to the evangelization and martyrdom of the apostle. The classical architecture and flags reinforce the historical character of the depiction. The urban landscape and cloudy sky add spatial depth and drama. The brushwork is fluid and the colors vibrant, with a clear academic influence. This work belongs to the 19th-century Spanish School, displaying a synthesis of religious narrative, scenic realism, and formal idealization. The inscription “SAINT JAMES THE LESSER” confirms the identity of the figure. This work is educational and devotional in nature, focused on conveying the apostle’s exemplary character. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer’s statutory rights.