Lorraine Williamson
During restoration work in the Toledo Cathedral, a remarkable discovery was made behind long-concealed cabinets. These oil paintings, hidden for over two and a half centuries, have now been uncovered. Restoration specialists are currently focused on cleaning and preserving these historical artworks.
Juan Pedro Sánchez, Dean of the Cathedral of Toledo, emphasised the importance of these paintings. They were located in the anteroom of the chapter house after the removal of cabinets installed in 1780 to store records of cathedral chapter meetings.
Restoration efforts
Following the completion of the chapter house restoration in 2019, work continued on the entrance door and the zaguán (anteroom). The anteroom contained two significant cabinets:
- Left Wall: A walnut cabinet crafted by sculptor Gregorio Pardo between 1549 and 1551.
- Right Wall: A replica of the original, made by Gregorio López Durango in 1780.
Discovery of the paintings
Behind the right-wall cabinet, paintings by Juan de Borgoña were revealed. These artworks include three distinct representations, with the coat of arms of Cardinal Cisneros at the centre. Cardinal Cisneros was responsible for the decoration of both the antechamber and the chapter house.
The coat of arms features:
- A horse’s head as the main element.
- Two horns of plenty and two vases, one containing carnations and the other lilies.
- A laurel wreath, a cardinal’s hat, and cords with fifteen tassels, held by two cherubs.
- Surrounding imagery of vases and fruit trees supported by three children.
Future plans and restoration
Dean Sánchez expressed excitement over the find, describing the paintings as an insight into the artistic richness of the chapter house, which features typical Renaissance imagery of landscapes, flowers, and angels. The paintings will now undergo restoration, after which a decision will be made on whether to keep them on display or reinstall the cabinets.
This restoration is part of the preparations for the VIII-Century Jubilee of the Cathedral of Toledo, scheduled for 2026.
The event will commemorate 800 years since the foundation of the cathedral, celebrating its historical, religious, and cultural significance. The jubilee is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including historians, religious scholars, and art enthusiasts.
Also read: Visit this “little sister” of the Sagrada Familia in Toledo
About Juan de Borgoña
Juan de Borgoña was a leading Spanish painter of the early Renaissance, active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Born around 1494, he was strongly influenced by Italian Quattrocento art, which is evident in his works. He is best known for his detailed and vibrant frescoes and altarpieces with religious themes, many of which adorn significant historical sites in Spain.
The discovery of his paintings in Toledo Cathedral adds a new dimension to the understanding of his artistic legacy and the cultural history of Spain.
Also read: Top ten cathedrals in Spain