Artist: Master Mateo
Date: 1188
Size: 5 x 58 cm
Museum: The Catedral de Santiago Foundation (Santiago De Compostela, Spain)
Technique: Granite
The narthex (or antechamber) of the Portico of Glory had a western facade that served as the gable of Santiago Cathedral, as well as completing it. The facade had no door leaves until 1520–21, when the medieval doors and their column statues were taken down. At the beginning of the 17th century the statues of the biblical kings David and Solomon were placed on the parapet of the loggia at the top of the great baroque staircase down to the Plaza do Obradoiro: David on the left and Solomon on the right. An attempt was made to reshape the back of them to try to give the cloak folds some continuity. The seat area was left smooth and the lower sections were engraved with identifying signs. These two splendid sculptures are seated on cross-frame chairs, the ends of which feature lion heads. Their abundant, uneven folds produce a strong chiaroscuro, especially at the bottom. David holds a carefully sculpted rote (stringed instrument). He plucks the strings with his right hand, while in his left he holds a key used to adjust their tightness. On his head sits a royal crown, his curly hair emerging from underneath it.
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