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Born in Kansas, William J. Smither attended Wichita State University, the U. of Kansas, Wisconsin, and Tulane University where he received the Ph.D. in 1952. After teaching Spanish and Portuguese at Tulane for 35 years he retired as emeritus professor in 1982. During that period he also served as Director of the Language Laboratory and as Acting Dean of Newcomb College (Sophie Newcomb Memorial College of Tulane U.). Besides articles, reviews, and research in second language teaching, he published El Mundo Galleg o de Valle-Inclán in 1986. Medieval Spanish studies at Wisconsin and subsequent interest in the Santiago pilgrimage as an element of Spanish culture, civilization, and art led to extensive photography, some of which was used in one of Smither's courses.
Fromísta
This church was built in 1066 and was once a perfect model of Romanesque on the road to Santiago de Compostela. There was, however, a very bad restoration in 1904.
Click images for a larger version.
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General view of the church at Fromísta. (1966)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Row of modillions at a shelter over the main doorway. (1966)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Detail of three of the modillions from the previous image. (1966)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Carríon de los Condes
This town has two churches that were important on the road toSantiago de Compostela: Santiago, built ca. 1165, and Santa María del Camino, also of the 12th century. Santiago has retained only the facade, while Sta. Ma. may be complete.
Generel view of the approach to the town. Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1966)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Facade of the Church of Santiago. Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Detail of facade, Christ in majesty with symbols of the evangelists--center of the gallery of apostles. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Apostles to Christ's right. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Apostles to Christ's left. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Capital at the base of the archivolt. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Capital at the other base of the archivolt. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Doorway with capitals and archivolt. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Archivolt. Church of Santiago, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Porch of Santa María del Camino. Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Angle view of the porch and doorway. Santa María del Camino, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Closer frontal view of the doorway. Santa María del Camino, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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The archivolt. Santa María del Camino, Carríon de los Condes, Spain. (1984)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Baños de Cerrato
Parish Church of San Juan Bautista
Visigothic, 7th century. According to legend, and perhaps fact, the church was built on the order of the Visigothic king who was was healed by the waters of a nearby spring (that still flows).
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View from the southwest. Baños de Cerrato, Provincia de Palencia, Spain. (1973)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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West front. Baños de Cerrato, Provincia de Palencia, Spain. (1973)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Doorway. Baños de Cerrato, Provincia de Palencia, Spain. (1973)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Top of the doorway arch. Baños de Cerrato, Provincia de Palencia, Spain. (1973)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Ornament to the right near the top of the doorway arch. Baños de Cerrato, Provincia de Palencia, Spain. (1973)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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Ornament to the base of the arch, right hand side. Baños de Cerrato, Provincia de Palencia, Spain. (1973)
Photographer: W.J. Smither
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