700-Year-Old Gothic Statue Found in Spanish Riverbed
Discovery
In a remarkable discovery, a fisherman in Galicia, Spain, stumbled upon a rare medieval statue depicting the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus in the Sar River near Santiago de Compostela. Fernando Brey noticed an oddly shaped stone while fishing for trout and realized it was a religious icon.
Identification and Dating
After sending photos to Ana Paula Castor of the local Apatrigal heritage association, the statue was identified as a Gothic-style religious icon. Initial analysis by Castor and Galicia’s Ministry of Culture dated the statue to the 14th century, making it potentially over 700 years old.
Description
The moss-covered statue, sculpted out of granite, weighs approximately 330 pounds. It portrays Mary seated on a throne with her child resting on her lap. Two worn angels sit on her shoulders, holding up her cape. The statue’s base is adorned with four-petaled flowers and acanthus leaves, suggesting it may have once been attached to a wall.
Historical Significance
The statue’s discovery in Conxo, a community near Santiago de Compostela, has sparked speculation that it may have originated from a now-lost church and pilgrimage site. Santiago de Compostela is the final destination on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, and Conxo lies on its outskirts.
Removal and Analysis
Workers removed the statue from the riverbed and transported it to the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago for cleaning and further study. Researchers will analyze the statue to determine its exact age, origins, and historical significance.
Missing Features
Both Mary and Jesus are missing their faces, possibly removed in an attempt to desanctify the icon. The removal of these features suggests the statue may have been the target of religious vandalism.
Cultural and Historical Value
According to Galicia’s regional minister of culture, Román Rodríguez, the statue’s discovery holds immense cultural and historical value. Beyond its artistic merit, the statue offers a glimpse into Galicia’s medieval past and the role of religion in the region.
Uncovering the Story
Researchers aim to uncover the story behind the statue’s creation, abandonment, and rediscovery. They hope to shed light on why it remained undiscovered for so long near the city and what its presence reveals about Santiago de Compostela’s history.
Ongoing Research
The statue’s discovery has ignited excitement among historians and archaeologists. Ongoing research will provide further insights into its origins, significance, and the story of its rediscovery in the Sar River.