The Museum of the Ways of the Gaudí Palace presents as ‘Piece of the Month’ a 15th century carving depicting the apostle St. James as a pilgrim. It will be on display throughout the month of July in a prominent place on the second floor of the Gaudí Palace. This is the month in which the apostle, patron saint of Spain, is commemorated and whose feast day is celebrated on July 25.
The Way of St. James, the most important pilgrimage route since medieval times, has left a very relevant artistic and devotional mark in the diocese of Astorga. This carving of Santiago pilgrim is a sample of popular and simple work that, coming from Penoselo (León), exemplifies the profusion of this iconography in the churches of many diocesan towns.
Santiago el Mayor is represented bearded, with his usual attributes of a pilgrim (hat, tunic and buttoned cloak, bag that hangs crossed and although today it is not preserved because his right hand is mutilated, he surely also carried a staff). In addition, the fact that he holds a book in his left hand also reminds us of his role as defender and disseminator of the Word of God. This iconographic combination (pilgrim and disciple), which is also very widespread, is resolved with a frontality charged with hieratism but also with charm.
At the end of the month the piece will be moved, but it will remain, along with those of previous months, until the end of the year. The Gaudí Palace can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 hours and in the afternoons from 16:00 to 20:00 hours.