Saint James was an apostle of Jesus and witnessed with Peter the Transfiguration, the resurrection of Jairus' daughter and the night of Gethsemane. He died as a martyr in 42. His popularity is due to his remains, moved from Jerusalem to Spain, and discovered at the time of Charlemagne which became the destination of great medieval pilgrimages. The "Way of Santiago" is still traveled by millions of pilgrims today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The sculpture features oxidized mecca gilding and a cross in real pure gold.