The Brotherhood of Alcalá de Guadaíra recovers the pedestal designed by Antonio Illanes for the Virgin of the Eagle thanks to municipal conservation aid. The piece, heavily deteriorated, will once again shine with its original splendour.
The altar pedestal of the Virgin of the Eagle, a sculptural work of great artistic and historical value, is undergoing a restoration process in Alcalá de Guadaíra. The work, driven by the Delegation of Culture, Heritage and Museums of the City Council, aims to halt the deterioration that threatened the stability of the piece, owned by the Brotherhood.
The Culture delegate, Christopher Rivas, visited the work at the Sanctuary, where it is displayed for the Virgin's festivities, alongside the restorer Jorge Anillo Rodrigo. There, they were able to assess the condition of the pedestal, which presents serious alterations in its support and polychromy, the result of its intense use in processions and liturgical events over decades.
The pedestal was designed by the sculptor Antonio Illanes Rodríguez, who also created the image of the Virgin, as a processional piece to replace the previous one, which disappeared in 1936. The wooden carving was executed by Manuel Guzmán Bejarano and the gilding by Manuel Calvo, both in 1971. It was subsequently replaced in its processional function by one made of goldsmithing, and has since fulfilled its current role as an altar pedestal.
The piece represents a large eagle with its wings spread, upon which the image of the titular Virgin rests. Its hieratic yet naturalistic features make it a unique work. Now, the intervention focuses on consolidating the support and fixing the layer of polychromy to prevent irreversible losses.
This action is part of the municipal aid programme for the conservation of movable goods, which co-finances restoration projects alongside the owners. Additionally, the City Council promotes the Preventive Conservation Cycle in collaboration with the Council of Brotherhoods and Cofradías, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preserving heritage to avoid future restorations.
Rivas emphasised “the shared commitment between owners, institutions and brotherhoods to preserve and disseminate heritage as an essential part of our collective identity.” The final result will allow the pedestal to regain its artistic value and continue fulfilling its role in the worship of the Virgin of the Eagle.
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