THE RELIEFS OF THE MAIN ALTAR OF SAN MARTIN

STYLE 

The style of these reliefs is characterised by the use of figures that firmly establish their physical presence thanks to their somewhat voluminous bodies and in the way folds of garments that, despite not having well-defined edges, convey a great deal of character.

Faces are wide and expressive and eyes have been carefully characterised as having narrow, barely-hinted-at upper lids under well-defined eyebrows. Noses are short, wide at the bottom and prominent and mouths are slightly open above wide jawbones and strong chins. Special mention must be made of the beautiful, fluid way in which hair has been vigorously treated in the figures of young men. This is particularly noteworthy in the beard of Saint James with its strong wavy hair that only breaks into curls at the very tips of a few wisps.

The degree of distribution is also notable as it suggests a quite real space both at the interior of the Mass of Saint Gregory (with its typical Flemish altarpiece with wings) and in the scene with Saint James with its characteristic rocky background and particularly careful emphasis on architecture.