Saint Christopher

The vertical format of this painting indicates that it could be one wing, or a door-like side panel, of a large altarpiece. In the United States since 1920, this painting is now displayed in a frame meant to represent some of its lost context: it would originally have been part of an elaborately decorated church, possibly in Palencia in northern Spain, along the route that pilgrims took to Santiago de Compostela. Saint Christopher was the patron saint of travelers and would have appealed to pilgrims walking great distances. In order to show his dedication to God, the saint helped travelers cross a dangerous river. As shown here, one day a child asked for a ride on Christopher’s back. As they progressed, the child grew heavier and heavier, but Christopher did not give up. When he reached the other side, the child revealed himself to be Jesus. As proof, the child told Christopher to plant his walking stick in the ground. In the morning, it sprouted into a palm tree. We see the beginnings of that transformation here.