The Frontal of Sant' Marti de Puigbo and the Saint Martin of Tours Iconography in the Catalan Altar Painting Tradition

The subject of research in this article is the iconography and cult St. Martin Tours Catalan altar painting tradition. object study a unique monument first half 12th century – frontal Sant Marti de Puigbo, once considered one most ancient works Romanesque panel painting. author made an attempt to dispel historiographical myth about antiquity piece art embed it into historical, cultural political context. It was method iconographic analysis that possible link creation Sant' Puigbo with special Saint Comarques, as well his patronage counts Barcelona. In course study, concluded Frontal connected reign Count Ramon Berenguer III Barcelona, whose patron saint Martin. This conclusion more accurately date from church Sant'marti Puigbo. connection between veneration activities evidenced by archival documents, some monuments dedicated located territories controlled on tombstone count monastery Santa Maria Ripoll, which also allowed conclude sculptural could have been same workshop. novelty lies fact no has yet completely reconstruct context commission example altarpiece determine exact time place its creation.