MEDIEVAL SCULPTOR, Catalan
(active 1327-1339 in Barcelona)

Sarcophagus of St. Eulália

1327-39
Marble
Cathedral, Barcelona

Political and economic links with other countries are reflected in the multinational origin of sculptors - French, Netherlandish, Italian, English, and German - working in growing number in Spain. In 1327-39, masters from Pisa and Siena executed the marble sarcophagus for the relics of St. Eulália in the crypt of Barcelona Cathedral. The sarcophagus, bearing reliefs showing the life, torture and martyrdom of this local saint, stands behind the altar, raised up on columns with classical capitals. The Italian connections of this workshop are indicated by the angels on the corner ledges holding candlesticks and the figure of the Virgin, with elegantly curved lines, at the centre.