First conclusions concerning the cult and iconography of St. James the Great in Rome

Abstract

This article deals with the artistic and devotional topography associated with St. James the Great in the city of Rome based on a study of the churches and pilgrim hospitals under his patronage. An examination of the principal bibliographical and documental sources, especially those concerned with topography and iconography, has led to two aspects that converge: one is chronological, and has allowed us to date the foundation, disappearance, destruction or change of patronage of the churches, confirming a strong development of the cult of Saint James between the Jubilee Year 1300 and the end of the 15^th century, and subsequently a rapid decline throughout the 16^th century into the first decades of the 17^th century; the second aspect is geographical and demonstrates the importance of the basilica of St. Peter, its relics and its pilgrims in the early development of the cult of St. James and then, later, the connection between those hospitals and churches and the pilgrimage to the main Roman basilicas. To this is added a study of the works of art, preserved or lost, relics, processions and other liturgical expressions, completing a study which aims at presenting and overall picture of the subject.