The fragment shown here is the most significant of these, and depicts the execution of St James. Little is known about the saint except that he was the earliest of the Apostles to be martyred. During the Middle Ages, however, a number of legends arose in Spain that told of the miracles he had reputedly performed there; a cult grew around him and he became the country's patron saint.
The author of our picture undoubtedly shared a studio with the Master of Alcira for a substantial period, since both hands can be recognised in a number of works. Nevertheless, the artist's own personality is quite distinct, demonstrating a more polished design, a richer palette, and a greater expressivity in the figures. The painter's artistic formation is a combination of mannerism with a certain Gothic flavour, which reflects not only northern Italian but also southern German influence.
(National Gallery of Ireland: Essential Guide, 2008)