The complex process of construction and evolution of the image of the Apostle James in European art from the early Middle Ages to the present day is one of the most fascinating chapters in the analysis of hagiographic iconography. This is not so much because of its eschatological depth, but because of the thaumaturgical and inspirational power of the fisherman, brother of John the Evangelist, member of Jesus’ close circle and evangeliser of Hispania. Driven by the extraordinary boom in pilgrimages after the invention of his tomb at the beginning of the 9th century, the three iconographic types spread throughout Europe: apostle, warrior – Miles Christi, champion of the Christian kingdoms against Muslim domination and later patron saint of these kingdoms – and pilgrim. And together with his image, significant symbols in themselves, such as the scallop.

Collection: Multimedia

Project: 10. Churches and religions in Europe.

Chronology: -

Scope: Secondary Education

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDc0PBcNV8E

Resource type: Video

Format: Multimedia

Owner: Arqueological National Museum of Spain (MAN) (Modernalia)

Abstract: The complex process of construction and evolution of the image of the Apostle James in European art from the early Middle Ages to the present day is one of the most fascinating chapters in the analysis of hagiographic iconography. This is not so much because of its eschatological depth, but because of the thaumaturgical and inspirational power of the fisherman, brother of John the Evangelist, member of Jesus' close circle and evangeliser of Hispania. Driven by the extraordinary boom in pilgrimages after the invention of his tomb at the beginning of the 9th century, the three iconographic types spread throughout Europe: apostle, warrior - Miles Christi, champion of the Christian kingdoms against Muslim domination and later patron saint of these kingdoms - and pilgrim. And together with his image, significant symbols in themselves, such as the scallop.

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