The restoration of the recumbent Christ from the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre in Borja has successfully concluded, marking a milestone in the conservation of local heritage. The sculpture, a masterpiece from the 17th century, will be presented to the public at the Collegiate Church of Borja, highlighting the collaboration between the Zaragoza Provincial Council and the Borja City Council.
An artistic treasure by Gregorio de Mesa Martínez
The recumbent Christ is a sculpture made of fired and polychromed clay, created in 1699 by Gregorio de Mesa Martínez. This work is one of the largest terracottas by the artist, reflecting his training at the French academy and his skill in modeling. The image depicts Christ at rest, covered by a salmon-colored white cloth, lying on a double pillow, and is a prominent example of sacred art from the period.
Conservation and restoration challenges
Before the intervention, the sculpture exhibited several structural and conservation issues. Among these were a longitudinal crack on the back, a fracture on the index finger of the left hand, lifts and losses of polychromy, dirt accumulation, and deterioration of the hair. These damages compromised the stability and aesthetics of the work.
The Antique S.L. team carried out a comprehensive restoration, which included cleaning the support, removal of non-original materials, stabilization of the paint, and reconstruction of damaged parts. The intervention concluded with chromatic reintegration and varnishing, restoring the sculpture to its original splendor.
Cultural impact and institutional commitment
The mayor of Borja, Eduardo Arilla, emphasized the importance of this restoration as part of the municipal commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage. This initiative is one of 49 interventions planned in the 2025-2026 plan by the Zaragoza Provincial Council, which allocates 2.8 million euros for the conservation of historical and artistic assets. Collaboration between institutions has been key to carrying out this project, which not only preserves a work of art but also strengthens Borja’s cultural identity.
