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After almost eight months of work, the restoration of the altarpiece of the Virgin of Bethlehem and the stone elements associated with the chapel has been completed. This comprehensive intervention has made it possible to recover both its artistic value and its structural stability.
This intervention forms part of the set of heritage actions that the Cathedral Chapter is carrying out in parallel in the church, promoted in a coordinated manner due to its proximity to the major comprehensive restoration of the Silver Altar.
The actions in the Chapel of Bethlehem have made it possible to recover the original gilding of the vegetal decoration on its walls, restoring to the ensemble part of its ornamental richness and its historic appearance. The processes have included the consolidation of layers, the cleaning of aged varnishes and overpainting, the selective replacement of preparation layers, chromatic reintegration of losses, and the application of a final protective varnish.
Likewise, structural consolidation has been carried out on various elements of the altarpiece, including the scrollwork of the attic, the side walls and the cornices, ensuring its long-term conservation. The restoration has also made it possible to reconstruct missing pieces, such as certain cornices and carved elements, restoring a unified reading of the work.
Among the most notable findings is the recovery of the lower finishing moulding of the altarpiece, which had remained hidden behind the marble of the altar table. To restore the ensemble to its original configuration and allow a complete view of the altarpiece, the marbles have been repositioned and properly levelled.
This work has represented a significant improvement in the conservation and enhancement of one of the most important heritage elements of the Chapel of Bethlehem.
The restoration work was carried out by specialists Almudena Fernández and José Joaquín Fijo, while Jaime Hernández and Francisco Arteaga took part in the stone elements.