Restored 18th-Century Altarpiece Unveiled at Santa Cruz Church of the Conception
The restoration of the 18th-century Our Lady of Los Remedios altarpiece at the Church of the Conception in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been completed, preserving a key example of Atlantic Baroque art and the island's historical ties to the Americas.
The recent restoration of the Our Lady of Los Remedios altarpiece at the Church of the Conception in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is more than just a repair project; it is a way to reconnect with the island's history. According to the Tenerife Island Council, the work restores a masterpiece of local Baroque art while highlighting the 18th-century artistic and commercial ties between the Canary Islands and the Americas.
The project was carried out by Estudio 5 Conservación y Restauración, supported by a partnership between the island administration and the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. This collaboration, part of the 2023-2027 Island Historical Heritage Program, ensures that valuable religious and artistic artifacts receive the expert care needed to prevent further decay.
Technical analysis during the restoration dated the altarpiece to around 1730, confirming the strong influence of Atlantic Baroque style on local craftsmanship. The team performed a thorough restoration, which included strengthening the internal structure, cleaning the gilding and paint, and repairing the canvases. The process also produced new documentation that will be a valuable resource for future art historians.
Isabel de Esteban, the island’s Director of Historical Heritage, emphasized that this project is part of a broader strategy to protect the capital’s cultural identity. Beyond the physical repairs, the team established long-term preservation guidelines to ensure the altarpiece remains in excellent condition for both its artistic value and its ongoing role in religious life.