Overview

• The initial conservation led by Professor Francisco Arquillo altered the Virgen’s eyelashes and pallid cheek tone, changing her familiar expression.
• Two rapid interventions over 48 hours aimed to recut her eyelashes and reinstate the traditional reddish patina before reopening the basilica.
• Hundreds of devotees protested inside and outside the basilica and on social media, demanding a detailed restoration report and leadership accountability.
• On June 24 the Hermandad issued a formal apology, accepted the mayordomo’s and prioste’s resignations, and commissioned the Instituto Andaluz de Patrimonio Histórico to oversee remaining work.
• Bishop José Ángel Saiz Meneses appealed for unity and forgiveness as the episode reignites calls for transparency and multidisciplinary oversight in sacred art conservation.