Restoration of the Madonna of Seville causes discussion

There is a great deal of excitement in Seville: the appearance of the famous statue of the Virgin de la Esperanza Macarena is causing heated discussions. The media are reporting on unsuccessful restoration work on the 17th century Madonna. Believers are outraged.

According to those responsible, the statue was only supposed to be cleaned of dirt and patina. However, her makeover was more extensive – including new make-up and long eyelashes. On the Internet, users say: “They have taken away what we love most. Now more than ever, we have to show that love and demand responsibility.” Others say that the character’s life has been taken from her.

According to the newspaper “El País”, the figure has even been reworked three times in the past few days. The Macarena Brotherhood, which also co-organises the Holy Week celebrations in Seville, in which the black-robed Madonna plays a central role, is responsible.

The Brotherhood is now being accused of having organised measures hastily and without consultation. Isidoro Moreno, professor emeritus of anthropology and an expert on the history of Holy Week in Seville, is calling “according to El País” for key elements such as the Madonna to be categorised as a cultural asset of special public interest in future. In his opinion, such legal recognition would guarantee greater protection in the event of interventions or alterations and ensure that decisions about cultural heritage are not left solely to the judgement of individual restorers or confraternities.