Plate XLVII · Mass
Vol. VIII (1952) · full-page plate
Un. Club - Burgos
DETAIL OF THE RETABLO BY GIL DE SILOË (late 15th cent.). It represents the Eucharist (Sacrifice and Sacrament) in the plan of salvation. The work is dominated by a large Host formed of Angels in adoration: in the centre stands Christ Crucified; the transverse beam of the Cross is supported by the Eternal Father (in pontifical and imperial vestments) and by the Holy Spirit (represented in the form of a royal woman, because in Hebrew «spirit» (ruah is feminine); on the head of the Redeemer stands out a large Pelican, symbol of the Eucharist; in the four inner corners are represented the main scenes of the Passion; at the foot of the Cross are the Virgin and St. John. All this is as if contained within the ambit of the Host and indicates the human-divine realities (theandric) that contributed to the salvation of the human race in the sacrifice of the Cross, which is mysteriously renewed on the Altar. Outside the great Eucharistic circle, one notes at the sides St. Peter and St. Paul and in the corners the four Evangelists: clear allusion to the inspired sources and to the magisterium of the Church, which nourish faith in the Mystery. Above and below Saints, dear to Spanish tradition and piety (St. James the Greater, St. Catherine, St. Bruno, St. Dominic, St. Isabella, etc.), which represent the fruits of the Redemption obtained through the Eucharist - Burgos, Certosa di Miraflores.