Epiphany in Compostela
Discover the different representations of the Epiphany in the city of Santiago de Compostela and its evolution over time.
The Epiphany is one of the most celebrated episodes of the Bible, which narrates the moment of Adoration of the Kings to the Child Jesus, who arrive from the East with gifts. The birth of Christ conveys the message of salvation for all Humanity.
Right Tympanum of the facade of Platerías (1100- 1112) by Taller compostelanoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
The Adoration of the Kings is an iconography that acquired a special development in medieval Compostela. In the Platerías facade, the Gelmirian sculptors introduced this scene in the upper part of the tympanum on the right.
Master Mateo's stony Choir (ca. 1200) by Maestro Mateo y su tallerThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
Around 1200, Master Mateo included the Adoration of the Magi as the protagonist of the tympanum on the façade of the transept, which was located in the main nave, completing the iconographic programme of Mateo's project.
Mattean Trascoro (ca. 1200) by Maestro Mateo y su tallerThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
Although the tympanum could not be preserved, it has been possible to hypothetically reconstruct it on the basis of medieval examples in Galician art and the remains of some pieces that would complete the facade, including the Adoration of the Kings and the Virgin of the Annunciation group.
Tympanum of the church of the Corticela (13th century) by Taller compostelanoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
The most immediate example of the missing Matthean tympanum is in the façade of the church of Corticella, renovated in the 13th century by artists related to the workshop of Master Mateo.
Tympanum of the church of San Benito del Campo (14th century) by Taller compostelanoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
At the beginning of the 14th century, masters from Ourense arrived in Santiago who introduced a new style, which would be impregnated with the tradition of Santiago de Compostela. Several examples of the Epiphany, which were featured in the tympanums of various temples in the city, are attributed to them.
Tympanum of Doña Leonor (Second quarter of the 14th century) by Anónimo compostelanoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
The tympanum of the church of San Fiz de Solovio (1316), signed by Master F. París, stands out, which marks the beginning of a model that will continue to evolve and provide new features. This is the case of the tympanum of Doña Leonor, which introduces the turiferary angels and has a slightly pointed arch.
Tympanum of Santa María del Camino (First half of the 15th century) by Taller ourensanoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
Over the course of more than a century, the tympanums of Compostela evolved towards an increasingly popular style, with a certain variegation in the scenes that went beyond the frame, as is the case in the one in the church of Santa María del Camino, from 1425.
Tympanum of Nuestra Señora del Belén (First half of the 14th century) by Taller compostelanoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
As an innovation, and outside the Ourense style, the image of the Presentation in the Temple was added to the Adoration of the Kings on the obverse of the tympanum preserved today in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bethlehem, as well as the scene of the Calvary on the reverse.
Tympanum of San Fiz de Solovio (1316) by Maestro F. París y su tallerThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
These representations were part of a route that followed the last stretch of the Way, culminating in front of the façade of the Matthean choir, and played an important role in the celebrations of Christmas in Santiago de Compostela.
An initiative of the Santiago's Cathedral Foundation
Directed by: Ramón Yzquierdo Peiró.
Texts: Claudia Gómez, Beatriz Garma.
Images: Fundación Catedral de Santiago.
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