The Atmosphere of the Miracle An Approach to the Thaumaturgical Experience (Practices and Rites) Through the Medieval Altarpieces of Saints in the Crown of Aragon

Abstract

The medieval altarpieces are an important source of knowledge about liturgical practices and devotional rites performed in front of graves of saints. The scenes of performed in front of graves of saints. The scenes of miracles in their tombs, included within the narrative cycles of altarpieces, allow us to reconstruct the environment where medieval man interacted with the holy remains and the belief in miracles. Through the late Major Altarpiece of the Church of San Vicente Sarrià together with a group of Aragonese altarpieces ranging from the Thirteenth to the fifteenth century is analyzed in this article analyzes the meaning and function of votive image, types of rites and the way of representing them iconographically in tables, we will analyze different devotional actions recorded in each one to understand who the man´s relationship with the supernatural. The original function of altarpieces such as that of San Vicente in medieval visual culture will also always be considered.