Saint James Cycle
South Transept
Funerary monument given by canon Guillaume aux Cousteaux (d. 1511), who was buried in front.
Why James? The donor was son of Jacques aux Cousteaux and the cathedral possessed relic of Saint James: the image cycle expresses the desire to enhance the cult and to associate Amiens with pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The donor also had a new châsse made for the relic.
St. James Preaches
James, dressed as pilgrim is preaching. Philetus, front right, was a pupil of the sourceror Hermogenes. He is moved by James’s message Front left, barefoot, a follower of Saint James.
St. James' kerchief
Philetus (center front) has been struck down by Hermogenes (right front). He is cured by contact with James’s kerchief. James stand left front.
Hermogenes (left front) orders demons (center front) to bring James and Philetus to him. Demons appeal to James for redemption: James releases them. James and Philetus right front. Behind Hermogenes his chamber and book of magic. More demons descend from above.
Demons have seized Hermogenes (left front), bound him and brought him to James. Philetus is beside him. Returning good for bad James, flanked by Philetus liberates Hermogenes who kneels before him (right front). Herogenes is converted. Christ blessing is in the background.