COLOR OF AN AGE
The group of sculptures created by the master builder Mateo for the Portico of Glory of the Cathedral of Santiago de
Compostela, Spain, was unique in its day, both for the quality of its carving and its lavish coloring. Materials used included
quantities of pure gold and Afghan lapis lazuli not found in any other work of the period. Recent restoration work has recovered
some of the original coloring, as shown in the sculpture of St. James (above), welcoming pilgrims as they enter his cathedral.
darren dugan
(Darren Dugan)
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