More than ten artistic manifestations between 1338 and 1538 spawned the myth of James I as the founding king

Francesc Granell Sales, a researcher at the University of Valencia, has analysed the representation of King James I in visual culture during the period 1338-1538. From manuscripts, paintings or acts and ceremonies, the study shows how the monarch was perceived as a founder, warrior and legislator with a particular aura, peculiar to the saints, according to the interests of the religious and civil powers. This study is key to understanding the creation and evolution of the myth of James I. "Visual culture" is the set of figurative and architectural artistic manifestations, as well as performative acts and common objects that do not fit the traditional idea of art. The study analyses the pragmatic use of the memory of James I, in a context of coexistence between Christians and Muslims with episodes of violence and discrimination. Among the dozen performances cited by the expert, the panel painting of the Battle of the Puig of the St. George Altarpiece of the Centenar de la Ploma stands out, preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and dated to the year 1400. It was in St. George's church in Valencia which was located in the current Rodrigo Botet Square. The analysis of this panel painting in relation to the feast of October 9 is one of the most important contributions of the thesis because the author demonstrates that the work was part of the ceremonial commemoration of the conquest.