Inventio of the Apostle’s Remains in the painting The Traditions of the Apostle Saint James in Galicia

Modesto Brocos, who had settled in Brazil, returned to Europe in 1897 to paint this work, which he claimed to have 'dreamed before becoming a painter.' As indicated by the signature, it was created in Rome in 1899 and was presented the following year at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, though it did not achieve the expected success. Regarding its arrival at the Cathedral, it is unclear whether it was a gift to the Cathedral Chapter or a temporary deposit by the artist while awaiting a buyer.

The work is structured as a triptych, with the scenes separated by architectural frames: on each side, a pointed arch, and in the center, a round arch, all divided by twisted columns with historiated capitals. Atop each capital stands an angel holding a scroll above the central image.

The right panel depicts The Apostle’s Preaching, while the left panel shows the Traslatio of his remains.

The image here shows the central panel, which represents the moment just before the Inventio, the revelation of Saint James’s mortal remains. A marble tomb bathed in the light of a star is visible in the middle of a forest, guarded by two angels. The scroll above the scene contains a Latin inscription identifying the body as that of James the Greater.