The iconographical origins of Pedro de Mena’s Saint Elias in Granada cathedral

Abstract

The f igure of Elias has given rise to a variety of iconographic representations which have been especially signif icant in religious picture cards, as well as in painting and sculpture –from the carvings of the 15 th century to the distinguished series by Doré. Within this wide range of artefacts, the different meanings of various episodes in the Saint’s life are illustrated, accompanied by the written explanations which were often added and the variations developed on these texts. This allows us to establish the nature of this group of works, which in turn leads us to the model followed by Pedro de Mena in his Saint Elias in Granada Cathedral.