Santiago Apóstol: This is the most realistic image of his face

When delving deeper into the study of the life and work of Saint James the Apostle, whose feast day is celebrated on July 25, some Catholics may wonder what his physical appearance was like.

Although there are several representations of his face throughout history, a group of experts from the Department of Sacred Archeology of the Brazilian Academy of Hagiology achieved what would be the most reliable representation so far.

In addition to bringing faith closer and awakening interest in the life of one of the Apostles closest to Jesus Christ, the project called El Rosto from Europe highlights the importance of the Camino de Santiago in the construction of the Christian roots of the Old Continent.

The Brazilian experts intended to reveal a face of Santiago more reliable than that of a first-century Galilean fisherman, combining ethnic-racial characteristics with established visual references.

The experts Fabio Tucci Farah and Mariana de Assis Viana Mansur coordinated the project, the final result of which is shown in a portrait signed by the artist Girleyne Costa.

The image was presented on July 25, 2020, on the occasion of the feast of Santiago el Mayor.

Tucci Farah expressed that “for many devotees, the presentation of the most reliable face of a saint through forensic reconstruction is accompanied by the strengthening of faith, the renewed interest in imitating his life and his customs.”

Furthermore, he stressed that “the most important thing” is that “it helps raise our eyes toward God.”

The Brazilian expert has already carried out similar work with the face of Saint Joan of Arc, condemned to death at the stake and whose reconstruction was also a challenge, because her skull is not preserved.

Originally published July 25, 2022. It has been updated for republication.