Spanish school; 17th century.

Spanish School; XVII century.
"Santiago el Mayor".
Oil on canvas.
It has a back frame, c. 1810.
Measurements: 74 x 60 cm; 94 x 82 cm (frame).
The theme and composition of this work follows the models of the engraving of Hendrick Goltzius, Dutch draftsman and engraver. Specifically, the piece is inspired by the series "Christ, the twelve apostles and St. Paul" (also known as "The short Creed", because each print was accompanied by a verse of the Creed). In this particular case, the Apostle James the Greater is depicted holding in his hands a large bouquet of flowers whose aesthetics are largely reminiscent of Arellano's vases.
James of Zebedee, also known as James the Greater was, according to various New Testament texts (Synoptic Gospels, Acts of the Apostles), one of the most prominent apostles of Jesus of Nazareth. He is known in Christian tradition as James the Greater to distinguish him from another member of the group of the Twelve, James the Lesser. Born probably in Bethsaida (Galilee), he was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John. James of Zebedee belonged to Jesus' so-called "circle of dilettantes" who were with him on special occasions: at the resurrection of Jairus' daughter, at the transfiguration and in the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus withdrew to pray in agony at the prospect of his passion and death. He was also a privileged witness of the apparitions of the risen Jesus and of the miraculous catch of fish in the Sea of Tiberias. According to the book of the Acts of the Apostles, Pentecost found James in prayerful expectation, always as one of the maximum referents of the first Christian community, together with Simon Peter and John. He died at the hands of Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem between 41 and 44 AD. He is the patron saint of Spain.