Saint Christopher Taking Leave of the King Who Feared Satan; Saint Christopher and His Converts
Martín de Soria·1480–85
Historical Context
This companion panel to Martin de Soria's Saint Christopher cycle continues the hagiographic narrative with scenes of the saint taking leave of a king who feared Satan and his subsequent baptism of converts. The narrative unfolds across the panel in the continuous format that allowed viewers to read the saint's story from left to right. Such altarpiece panels served as visual catechism for medieval congregations, making sacred narratives accessible to illiterate viewers.
Technical Analysis
The tempera with oil glazes technique matches the companion panel in bright, decorative coloring and precise narrative detail. The architectural settings that frame the episodes demonstrate the growing spatial awareness of late Gothic Aragonese painting.
Provenance
Possibly from the monastery of Piedra, near Saragossa [Gudiol 1953, p. 302,]. Charles Deering, Palau “Marycel,” Sitges, near Barcelona, and Chicago, before 1921 [a photograph shows the panels installed at “Marycel”; the paintings and other works from Deering’s collection were placed on loan at the Art Institute in 1921; loan agreement, Nov. 18, 1921, Art Institute Archives].; given to his daughters Mrs. Chauncey McCormick and Mrs. Richard E. Danielson, 1924; Mrs. Chauncey McCormick, in a division of their joint property, 1937 [registrar’s records]; given to the Art Institute, 1962.
