Sepulchre attributed to Alfonso IX

Image of the tomb traditionally attributed to Alfonso IX, located in the Chapel of Relics in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. According to Serafín Moralejo it could correspond with the possible lying image of King Fernando II of Galicia and León. The statue representing the personage is characterised by its curly hair, on which is girded a crown, a profiled beard and clothing consisting of a tunic and mantle.

It is notable for the fact that the figure seems to have abandoned himself to sleep. According to researchers such as Núñez Rodríguez, this could be an aspect of medieval thought, which is related to the idea that the king does not die, his death being associated with rest and sleep, rather than with the end of life.