Lot number 3671 - Auction 141
SANTIAGO MATAMAROS (DER MAURENTÖTER)

SPANISH SCHOOL, AROUND 1700 SANTIAGO MATAMAROS (THE SLAYER OF THE MOORS) Oil on softwood panel. 25 x 19 cm (F. 33.5 x 25 cm). Inscribed lower left: 'Jacob Major (Jacobus the Elder)'. Part. min. old rest., part. min. old retouching. Frame. Santiago Matamoros, also known as the Moor Slayer, is a legendary figure in Spanish history and an important figure in the Spanish national consciousness. His name means 'Saint James the Moorslayer' and refers to the apostle James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Historical background Santiago Matamoros was founded in the context of the Reconquista, the centuries-long reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslim Moors by Christian kingdoms. These battles began in the 8th century and lasted until the conquest of Granada in 1492. The legend According to legend, Santiago appeared to the Christian troops at the Battle of Clavijo in 844. In this decisive battle against the Moors, he is said to have appeared on a white horse, armed with a sword, and helped the Christians to victory. His appearance was seen as a divine sign and as support from heaven for the Christian cause. Iconography Santiago Matamoros is usually depicted as a knight on a white horse, striking down Moors with his sword. These depictions can be found in many churches and cathedrals in Spain, especially along the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), which leads to his alleged grave in Santiago de Compostela. Significance and veneration Santiago Matamoros became a symbol of Christian unity and the fight against Islamic influence on the Iberian Peninsula. He was declared the patron saint of Spain and plays a central role in Spanish culture and history. His feast day, 25 July, is celebrated throughout Spain, with the biggest celebrations taking place in Santiago de Compostela. Controversies The figure of Santiago Matamoros is not without controversy. Critics point out that the veneration of a 'Moorish slayer' is problematic, as it symbolises and glorifies religious and ethnic tensions. In modern, multicultural Spanish society, there are therefore discussions about the appropriate depiction and veneration of this figure. Conclusion Santiago Matamoros remains an important and complex figure in Spanish history. His legend reflects the religious and cultural struggles that shaped medieval Spain, and his veneration demonstrates the deep roots of Christianity in Spanish identity (OPENAI CHATGPT, 2024. ChatGPT personal response (personal communication, 25 July 2024). Provenance: South German Private Collection