THE RELIEFS OF THE MAIN ALTAR OF SAN MARTIN

POLYCHROME DECORATION 

Both reliefs and figures are richly decorated with an abundance of burnished gilt and Sgrafitto patterns in clearly Renaissance style.  Incarnations are smooth with an abundance of highlighted details in eyes, brush-tip applied decoration and the wounds and bruises of Christ.

Decorative techniques:

• Matte gilding in certain details of the relief and in the hair of Saint John.

• White, blue, black, red and green Sgraffito on gilt found in mantles either as borders or decorating whole surfaces: tunics, capes, hats, shims, books, tablecloths, etc.. Patterns are geometric, floral and vegetable with schematic torches and candelieri decoration.

• Continuous applied brocade on the tunic of the Holy Virgin of the Calvary.

The entire group seems to lean more towards a First Renaissance Peninsular style polychrome decoration than a Flemish Late Gothic one.