San Isidoro in León: Evidence for a New History
John Williams
In the summer of 1969 I directed a campaign which produced plans, sections and drawings older parts Collegiate Church San Isidoro in León for history that monument.1 The work centered on Pantheon Kings, mausoleum rulers León-Castile eleventh twelfth centuries, is attached as kind narthex to west façade church. It traditionally attributed 1063, assured handling architectural space mass one encounters there has been seen an auspicious introduction Romanesque style northwest Spain. At same time walls vaults display major surviving cycle Spanish mural painting outside Catalonia. During six weeks it was possible become intimately acquainted with complex (Fig. 1), complete plan its adjacent tower gallery, together tribune next level (Figs. 2a b). Of longitudinal section only itself neared completion, although relationship fixed 3). While at least more will be necessary desired visual record, evidence emerged thus far so contradicts traditional view regarding sequence events site merits exposure now even if conclusions must remain, some instances, tentative. As seen, date within reign Fernando untenable; rather, Fernando's successor, Alfonso VI. fresco cycle, other hand, seems have dated too late, installed before completion present basilica well II, whom paintings basis presumed donor portrait.
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