Restoration is underway on the grille for the chapel of San Idelfonso at Santa Maria la Mayor. Thanks to a collaboration agreement between Santa Maria la Mayor de Andujar & the Fundacion Caja Rural de Jaen, the project is possible. Ibercaja, Basel Museum and others also collaborate
This agreement is part the cultural initiative to restore cultural assets. The restoration work will be completed and presented as a public act.
Histories
The grate is a stunning furniture piece of mid-16th-century grating. It was possibly created by Juan Rodriguez and Bartolome Gombez, nephews to the famed grazier Bartolome de Salamanca. It is also related to Juan Alvarez de Molina’s Ubetan Rejero Juan Alvarez de Molina.
The grille has three sections. The top contains the dehesis as well as the coats and arms of Valdivia-Palomino patrons, Serrano Valenzuela and Valdivia Valenzuela. The iconography depicting the imposition by the Virgin of the chasuble upon San Ildefonso is located in the middle of the door. Both the decoration and the balusters are beautiful.
Ana Gabucio and Teresa Lopez are carrying out the restoration work. First, remove any varnishes that have been oxidized over time. Next, remove layers of paint that have also been oxidized or darkened. Finally, reveal the original color which will be reintegrated into some of the parts. Final results must show the work in its original form at the time it was completed. Santa Maria also houses the Reinoso chapel grille, which was taken from Santiago’s church when it was closed for worship. Its motif is the Annunciation. Today, the Gate of San Ildefonso contains El Greco’s “Prayer at the Huero de los Olivos”.
