Apparition of Saint James in the Battle against the Moors


(oil on canvas 102x131 cm).


Andrea de Lione

17th century (first half).

The theme developed by De Lione found particular diffusion in the second half of the seventeenth century in the peripheral territories of the Viceroyalty. The episode depicted refers to the battle of Clavius, won in 834 by Ramiro I with the help of the saint, according to the legend divulged in the thirteenth century by Ximenez de Rada, or more probably to that won by Ramiro II of Leon, in 939. He proof of the notable diffusion of this model in the southern area, certainly derives from an engraving relating to this painting or a drawing circulated by Grechetto, who was in close contact with Andrea de Lione. Through an examination of the chromatic material that welcomes the macchiato in the faces and on the clothes, and expands near the sky to let emerge a declared neo-Venetian imprint.


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