Who is this sculpture?

[Camo]

I am fascinated by this sculpture and wondering if anyone has any ideas about what it might mean. Not sure if any religious meaning but if so please feel free to bounce it (dear mods).

Clues are it is in a church along with 11 other sculptures (some equally weird to me) so I guess it is some manifestation of an apostle and as the church is for Mary of the Assumption maybe this is how the apostle became once in Heaven? It appear he has angel wings.

But he also has a huge sword and is dressed as a conquistador (it would seem) but the sword also has an exaggerated Cross which would figure as the conquistadors were about spreading the word of Jesus to the people of South America.

But even more weird is that the cross also acts as a set of scales (of Justice?) and remember that the booty was divided up with 20% to King (and Church), but for me it suggests also a connection to the Egyptian weighing of the heart ceremony (Book of the Dead)?

And just who was his hairdresser looking more like Mel Gibson in Braveheart than a Spaniard of the time.

 

[SabsP]

IMO this is Archangel Michael.

Archangel Michael in Christian art - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Kathor1]

Archangel Michael

Yep, Saint Michael, dressed as a knight, with wings and with his scales for weighing souls. An omnipresent motif along the way to Santiago and pretty much elsewhere in medieval Europe.

The archangel Michael is often included in Last Judgment scenes. Fear of the Last Judgment, and taking precautions, was a major motive for medieval pilgrims. Here is another link to Saint Michael the Archangel: The Iconography. It has a photo of a painting and not the usual statue. I'd post it here but it has male frontal nudity - though only for the group of the damned. The saved ones wear a piece of clothing.

When Saint Michael is depicted in his dragon/satan slaying capacity, he is often confused with Saint George. It is the wings that distinguish the two as Saint George does not have wings.

All the things you learn on your way to Santiago ...

 

[isobelmtl]

I am fascinated by this sculpture and wondering if anyone has any ideas about what it might mean. Not sure if any religious meaning but if so please feel free to bounce it (dear mods).

Clues are it is in a church along with 11 other sculptures (some equally weird to me) so I guess it is some manifestation of an apostle and as the church is for Mary of the Assumption maybe this is how the apostle became once in Heaven? It appear he has angel wings.

But he also has a huge sword and is dressed as a conquistador (it would seem) but the sword also has an exaggerated Cross which would figure as the conquistadors were about spreading the word of Jesus to the people of South America.

But even more weird is that the cross also acts as a set of scales (of Justice?) and remember that the booty was divided up with 20% to King (and Church), but for me it suggests also a connection to the Egyptian weighing of the heart ceremony (Book of the Dead)?

And just who was his hairdresser looking more like Mel Gibson in Braveheart than a Spaniard of the time.

View attachment 180173

It’s St. Michael the archangel. He is often portrayed with a scale as he weighs the souls ( thumbs up heaven… thumbs down …. You’ll need a fan) this representation is often shown close to the Virgin Mary as she shows mercy . In the Hail Mary the end goes” pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death”. His sword? From his battle with Lucifer.

 

[isobelmtl]

It’s St. Michael the archangel. He is often portrayed with a scale as he weighs the souls ( thumbs up heaven… thumbs down …. You’ll need a fan) this representation is often shown close to the Virgin Mary as she shows mercy . In the Hail Mary the end goes” pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death”. His sword? From his battle with Lucifer.

Sorry Missed a bit… yes, I am a guide in the Montreal museum of Fine arts where we have a wonderful Di Bici altar panel showing a very similar representation of. St Michael. The hairdo? I cannot comment on angelic beauty parlours but this certainly is not a portrayal of St James and has nothing to do with conquistadores.

 

[pkonopka]

IMO this is Archangel Michael.

Archangel Michael in Christian art - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I’d agree

 

[Camo]

his scales for weighing souls

Thanks for the replies and I think I recall the Archangel Michael from my long ago religious "teachings".

And yes the weighing of the heart/souls does seem to relate to book of the dead practices where your past deeds determine your fate in the "afterlife/Heaven".

The scales seem to instantly detach via a pin on the sword so the sword is quickly available for action - quite clever bit of "multi tasking design"

 

[isobelmtl]

Thanks for the replies and I think I recall the Archangel Michael from my long ago religious "teachings".

And yes the weighing of the heart/souls does seem to relate to book of the dead practices where your past deeds determine your fate in the "afterlife/Heaven".

The scales seem to instantly detach via a pin on the sword so the sword is quickly available for action - quite clever bit of "multi tasking design"

Well, the scales, sword contraption in the statue is very much of the material world. I mean the sculptor may have portrayed it like that for economy of materials, space etc. but I wonder if an archangel couldn’t manage all that in a more “ heavenly” way.

 

[Camo]

but I wonder if an archangel couldn’t manage all that in a more “ heavenly” way.

Yes it is a puzzle but to add to that we have his 3 mates on his right side

The lady on left seems to have a "super size pen" (or is it Palm Sunday?) and she has a very pained look.

Bloke in the middle seems to have lost his bow

Bloke on right has a huge sword AND huge pen? - maybe he is trying to decide if pen is mightier than sword? - his hair stye is on a par with Michael IMHO and he has a whimsical look

 

[Kathor1]

it is in a church
the church is for Mary of the Assumption

Where is the church? On a Camino? Is the statue part of a retable?

 

[Kathor1]

My most memorable statue of an archangel is Saint Raphael in Burgos. Probably the most frequently photographed, too.

 

[Kathor1]

we have his 3 mates
The lady on left
Bloke in the middle
Bloke on right

These blokes, mates and ladies are all saints. The statues are an expression of Christian (Catholic) faith. Whether one agrees with the Catholic Church and faith or not, these artistic expressions of other people's faith - in the past as well as in our time - deserve respect and courtesy.

In Christian religious art, saints are depicted with their attributes - they are often a pointer to how they got tortured for their belief and murdered or to another element of their live's narrative, such as a martyr's palm branch or a martyr's sword or a torture instrument or a specific flower. There are plenty of sources about Christian Iconography on the internet that make good reading for anyone truly interested in this symbolism.

 

[Kathor1]

Where is the church?

There is no need for an answer anymore: The statues are in the Cathedral of Tui. The name of each saint is spelled out in large letters at the base of each statue. These "mates" and "blokes" are women as one can easily read: Santa Sila, Santa Victoria and Santa Quiteria.

 

[RobinGore]

I am fascinated by this sculpture and wondering if anyone has any ideas about what it might mean. Not sure if any religious meaning but if so please feel free to bounce it (dear mods).

Clues are it is in a church along with 11 other sculptures (some equally weird to me) so I guess it is some manifestation of an apostle and as the church is for Mary of the Assumption maybe this is how the apostle became once in Heaven? It appear he has angel wings.

But he also has a huge sword and is dressed as a conquistador (it would seem) but the sword also has an exaggerated Cross which would figure as the conquistadors were about spreading the word of Jesus to the people of South America.

But even more weird is that the cross also acts as a set of scales (of Justice?) and remember that the booty was divided up with 20% to King (and Church), but for me it suggests also a connection to the Egyptian weighing of the heart ceremony (Book of the Dead)?

And just who was his hairdresser looking more like Mel Gibson in Braveheart than a Spaniard of the time.

View attachment 180173

It looks not like a cross, but a sword ... the sword is means by which the scales of justice are balanced. That's what I would say it is. He's definitely an angel. Love the Mel Gibson hair.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Yes it is a puzzle but to add to that we have his 3 mates on his right side
View attachment 180270
The lady on left seems to have a "super size pen" (or is it Palm Sunday?) and she has a very pained look.

Bloke in the middle seems to have lost his bow

Bloke on right has a huge sword AND huge pen? - maybe he is trying to decide if pen is mightier than sword? - his hair stye is on a par with Michael IMHO and he has a whimsical look

Hi , a bit of respect would be in order here . They are no blokes, mates or whatever they are three females .

 

[Camo]

The statues are in the Cathedral of Tui. The name of each saint is spelled out in large letters at the base of each statue.

Thanks for your reply - the google Street View I used did not have good enough resolution for the names so I did not include them.

I am wondering just how much information on such matters is given on the audio tour of the Cathedral which seems to pass by this point (the pipes) on the way to the alter - anyone tried it out?

BTW the word "bloke" in Oz is a term of the highest endearment (higher than chap, mate or cove) and can be applied to females as well.

 

[RobinGore]

Hi , a bit of respect would be in order here . They are no blokes, mates or whatever they are three females .

Why's that? I didn't think his use of bloke was the slightest bit offensive. I think we need thicker skin.

 

[Kathor1]

[not] the slightest bit offensive. I think we need thicker skin.

It’s not about a single word and its common usage. It is about mockery of religious expression in art. And not the first time. It’s unnecessary if all you want to know is which Saint is represented by a statue in a church.

 

[Camo]

Santa Victoria

I looked her up and she comes with a brother Acisclus who was martyred along with her. Wiki says

"Victoria and Acisclus are considered the first saints of Cordoba, and are celebrated on 17 November"

And yes that IS a palm leaf she is (normally) carrying and not a huge pen as I wrongly surmised.

My most memorable statue of an archangel is Saint Raphael in Burgos. Probably the most frequently photographed, too.

Any photos please?

 

[Camo]

we have a wonderful Di Bici altar panel showing a very similar representation of. St Michael

Thank you for your contribution to this subject and your hi def image that shows a rather disturbing (to me) "scales of justice" where person (I won't say bloke!) seems to be hanging dead despite his prayers on other side of scales.



All that seems to be confirmed by the facial expression (and wrist inclination) of the Saint.



And his hairdo?? - personally I would rather take my chances with the horrible crocodile thing in the Book of the Dead



Maybe "religion" has not changed much in 4,000 years?

 

[Kathor1]

I am a guide in the Montreal museum of Fine arts where we have a wonderful Di Bici altar panel showing a very similar representation of. St Michael.

@isobelmtl: What a great occupation to have!

I have to admit my ignorance: I had to google "Di Bicci" to learn something about this painter. So Neri di Bicci (1419-1491) - the time period is still medieval and several hundred years earlier than the statues, carved in wood, of the choir stalls in the Tui Cathedral which were apparently created towards the end of the 17th century.

I don't recall having noticed paintings of this quality in the medieval churches and cathedrals on the Camino Francés. I remember mainly the sculptures in stone from the aesthetically pleasing Gothic period and in particular the fascinating Romanesque period. One of the interesting things about these paintings, for me at least, are all the details that they show about the period of time when they were created. All this visual information about what was fashionable in their time and the tools that they used in daily life ... like the wool comb that Saint Blaise is holding in the painting.

PS: I did spot the black demon in the painting, of course . This is one of the lasting gifts of walking to Santiago for me: the stuff I learnt about the world and the mindset of people who lived a good thousand years ago.

 

[RobinGore]

It’s not about a single word and its common usage. It is about mockery of religious expression in art. And not the first time. It’s unnecessary if all you want to know is which Saint is represented by a statue in a church.

The post didn't mock anyone, the man is just interested in a little help identifying a statue. He was not mocking religion. Why so quick to judge? How about we have more unemotional responses as opposed to labeling someone.

 

[Kathor1]

The post didn't mock anyone, the man is just interested in a little help identifying a statue. He was not mocking religion. Why so quick to judge? How about we have more unemotional responses as opposed to labeling someone.

Give it a rest. I did not label a person. I judged the tone and style of a post about religious art that can be viewed in a major cathedral on one of the Caminos in Spain. And yes, I do judge this, and so should others.

 

[dick bird]

This is beginning to get heated. We will have to close it unless we can keep it impersonal.