Brass Rubbing: Don James Ferdinand de Lacuna

From the catalogue, An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings by Kathleen H. Cairns: "Don James Ferdinand de Lacuna, died 1541. Andreas Lacuna, 1560, his son. A brass probably of Flemish origin. Erected by Andreas to his father, himself, and to the Lacuna family and dedicated in the year 1557. the Lacunas were converted Christians. Below the inscription, the figure of St. James, the patron saint of Spain, is shown standing on a helmet. In his left hand he carries a sword and an olive branch. On his left breast is a scallop shell, the symbol worn by pilgrims to his shrine at Santiago de Compostella. On his right breast and hat are crossed nails. Below the helmet is a scroll with a beautifully engraved caravelle of the period. On either side are cherubs with garlands of ribbons under branching leaves. The ship may be an epigram connected with the Latin distich or it may refer to Lacuna's travels through Europe. The brass is laid in the church of San Miguel in Segovia and rests sideways. The design has been filled with plaster painted red. The lettering is a magnificent example of Renaissance craftsmanship. Translation of Latin Inscription: To God, the Best, the Greatest. To the man, illustrious for knowledge and piety Don James Ferdinand of Lacuna, distinguished doctor of medicine, who when he was intending to help the Segovians with his ability and efforts was prevented by envious death and surrendered to fate the 7th of May 1541. Andreas Lacuna, his son, soldier of St. Peter and doctor to Pope Julius the III, coming from Italy and Germany, to his most generous father already dean and for himself who must die and for his (family) dedicated in the year 1557. Translation of Inscription in Greek: Lord, show me your ways and your spirit will lead me. (Adapted from Psalm 25, verse 4; Psalm 143, verse 10.) Translation of Latin Distich: I have reached my heaven, good-by. Hope and future. I have nothing to do with you, go play with another."

Cairns, Kathleen H. Brass Rubbings: A Pageant of History. December 18, 1966 through January 8, 1967. College of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Illinois, Champaign. Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, December 7, 1969 through January 4, 1970. Frick Fine Arts Building, University of Pittsburgh. Catalog #84. Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Brass Rubbings from the Collection of Kathleen H. Cairns, December 5, 1971 - January 14, 1972. Botetourt Gallery and Museum, Swem Library, College of William and Mary. Catalog #46. Felgate, T.M. Knights on Suffolk Brasses. East Anglian Magazine Ltd. Ipswich, Sufflok 1976. Spinke, Winifred. A Memento from Old England. Bury St. Edmunds, n.d. Cairns, Kathleen H. An Exhibition of Medieval Brass Rubbings, October 20 through November 19. Catalog #69.