The whole _retablo_, in the low reliefs which form the base, and in the statues or groups in the niches, represents graphically the life of the Saviour or the Virgin, of the patron saint or an apostle; some of them are of exquisite execution and of great variety and movement; in others, greater attention has been paid to the decoration of the columns or shafts by original floral garlands, etc. Foment, Juni, and Berruguete are among the most noted _retablo_ sculptors, but space will not permit of a more prolific classification or analysis. * * * * * GOLD AND SILVERSMITHS.--The vessels used on the altar-table, effigies of saints, processional crosses, etc., in beaten gold and silver, are well worth examination. So is also the cathedral treasure, in some cases of an immense value, both artistic and intrinsic. Cloths, woven in coloured silks, gold, and precious stones, are beautiful enough to make any art lover envious. The central niche of the _retablo_, immediately above the altar-table, is generally occupied by a massive beaten silver effigy, the artistic value of which is unluckily partially concealed beneath a heap of valuable cloths and jewels. [Illustration: TYPICAL RETABLO (PALENCIA)] But where the silversmith's art is purest and most lavishly pronounced is in the _sagrarios_. These are solid silver carved pyramids about two or three feet high: they represent miniature temples or thrones with shafts or columns supporting arches, windows, pinnacles, and cupolas. In the interior, an effigy of the saint, or the Virgin, etc., to whom the cathedral is dedicated, is to be seen seated on a throne. In all cases the workmanship of these miniature temples is exquisite, and has brought just fame to Spain's fifteenth and sixteenth century silversmiths. * * * * * IRONCRAFT.--Last to be mentioned, but not least in importance, are the artisans who worked in iron. They brought their trade up to the height of a fine art of universal fame; their artistic window _rejas_, in the houses and palaces of the rich, are the wonder of all art lovers, and so also are the immense _rejas_ or grilles which close off the high altar and the choir from the transept, or the entrance to chapels from the aisles. Though this art has completely degenerated to-day, nevertheless, a just remark was made in the author's hearing by an Englishman, who said: "Even to-day, Spaniards are unable to make a bad _reja_." * * * * *