Spanish school, late 12th century-early 13th century. "Valentine's... Lot 41

Spanish school, late 12th century-early 13th century. "Valentine's Day". Limestone relief. Measurements: 29 x 21 x 7.5 cm. Sculptural relief in limestone, representing a saint or martyr carrying the book of the Gospels in his right hand and a palm of martyrdom in the left. The brocade mantle that covers his shoulders, along with the martyr's attributes and the initials "S. V." engraved in the book and in the stone, could identify Saint Valentine, a bishop who in the Middle Ages was vindicated with numerous legends. The head is slightly oversized with respect to the body, as was customary to emphasize the expressiveness of the features. A certain hieraticism prevails, although the wrinkles on the forehead and the almond-shaped eyes denote a certain humanization by transmitting melancholy and wise acceptance of destiny. Careful chiseling defines the locks of the beard and mustache, as well as the sumptuous appearance of the cloak, under which the tunic appears, treated with parallel vertical folds. The name of Saint Valentine identifies two Italian bishops whose biographies are confused: one was born in the city of Interamna (today Terni), where the remains of the body are preserved in the homonymous basilica; the other, Valentin of Recia, who lived in the 5th century and was buried in Marlengo, in Tyrol. Based on the legend that Saint Valentine married soldiers in secret because it was prohibited by Emperor Claudius II, the saint became associated with love and lovers.