Spanish School, 16th Century, 'Saint Fermin of Pamplona'
Spanish School (16th century)
Saint Fermin of Pamplona
oil on canvas
40.1/8 x 32.½ in. (102 x 82.5 cm.)
Following some detailed research, we are confident this is a portrait of San Fermin, the Patron Saint of Paloma, the capital of Navarre, Spain and the annual festival of bull running.
San Fermin, a martyred saint, was born in Pamplona. He was baptised by Saturnis, the first bishop of Toulouse. Saturinus himself was martyred in 257 AD by being tied to a bull and dragged by his feet. Due to the connection to Fermin through his baptism, this martyrdom has been adopted by Fermin. Pamplona anointed him the Patron Saint of the city, and associated him with the bull. According to legend, Fermin was ordained a Priest in Toulouse before moving to Pamplona. He was later then named Bishop of Amiens, where he was eventually beheaded and martyred on the 25 September AD 303. The relics of St Fermin were moved from Amiens back to Pamplona in 1196. The city marked this occasion with an annual festival. The running of the bulls appears to have started during this festival in the 14th century.
The halo is a clear indication of his divinity, whilst the palm leaf he holds is a conventional symbol in western Christian art of Martyred Saints. In other depictions of martyred saints from the 16th century, such as St Sebastian and St Agatha, both saints are holding a palm leaf, to represent the victory of spirit over flesh. The red flag with the bull alludes to his patronage. It is evident that this is most likely a Spanish portrait. The sitter’s helmet, known as a morion is remarkably similar to 16th century Spanish armour. It is likely that his Romanesque armour is intended to relate to his status as a Roman senator. This is most likely a devotional portrait of San Fermin from the 16thcentury, to celebrate the annual festival of the saint and of the Pamplona bull running festival.
