The Battle of St. James The Greater at Clavijo n.d.

This engraving of the Battle of Clavijo presents Saint James the Greater as a celestial knight, leading Christian forces against the Moors. Notice how St. James's figure and white cloak become a beacon amidst the dark chaos of battle. The motif of the warrior saint is an enduring symbol. We find it echoed in depictions of Saint George slaying the dragon or even ancient images of gods descending to aid mortals. Such iconography taps into a deep-seated desire for divine intervention, illustrating the eternal conflict between good and evil. Consider how the artist uses the horse to convey power and dominance. The rearing steed is a classical symbol, reminiscent of ancient Roman equestrian statues. Over time, the horse became a symbol of nobility, leadership, and triumph. The image evokes a primal struggle, reflecting the collective anxieties of the era. The battle becomes a stage for deeply ingrained cultural narratives, resurfacing time and again across the epochs.