A Historic Rescue
In an exciting archaeological event, the Museum of Montserrat has received a treasure of incalculable value: a panel made of nine polychrome tiles that present the emblematic image of Montserrat. This remarkable find was the result of an archaeological intervention carried out in the hermitage of Santa Anna de Montserrat in 2022, commissioned by the Patronat de la Muntanya de Montserrat.
A Relic of the Renaissance
This set of tiles dates from the 16th century, during the Renaissance splendor, in the period of Abbots Cisneros and Pedro de Burgos, an era marked by cultural advances and the appearance of printing. The shocking work, unfortunately, was discovered in a state of extreme fragmentation, completely fragmented into more than 500 pieces, until a dedicated team of archaeologists from the Department of Culture of the Generalitat of Catalonia carried out a laborious restoration.
A Decorative Jewel
The panel, with dimensions of 90 x 90 cm, exhibits an exceptional decorative composition. The emblem of Montserrat, represented by the mountain and the mountain range, is in the center, surrounded by a delicate blue border and decorated with vegetal and floral motifs. This work of art, with the heads of four seraphim adorning its corners, is a magnificent example of the decorative art of the past.
A Return After Desolation
Originally, these tiles adorned the monastery of Montserrat, but in the 18th century they were reused as pavement in the hermitage of Santa Anna. Sadly, they fell victim to willful destruction during the tragic events of the French War in 1811, when Napoleonic troops looted and set fire to the chapels, leaving them in ruins.
Rescuing the Past
The hermitage of Santa Anna, built at the end of the 15th century, was a silent witness to the historical events that devastated Montserrat during the French war. Destroyed and abandoned in 1811, it has been the subject of recent archaeological excavation campaigns to reveal the secrets of its glorified past.
An Exemplary Restoration
The meticulous restoration of the tiled panel has been a true tour de force, with each fragment reintegrated with plaster and the decoration accurately reproduced. Under the supervision of the Heritage Service of the Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia, this historical work of art has been completely reconstructed to preserve its heritage value.
This piece, symbolizing a piece of Montserrat’s rich history, now rests in an airlock structure for display and admiration, providing a window into the region’s glorified past.
