Three new miniature sculptures for the Palacio de Guevara in Lorca

19^th-century works by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier have been restored in Lorca

The already impressive decoration at the Palacio de Guevara in Lorca has been made still more attractive this week with the addition of three new sculptures dating from the mid-19^th century, two of them by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier and the other of unknown provenance, after treatment at the municipal restoration workshop.

The Palacio de Guevara, also known as the Casa de las Columnas, was inhabited by noble occupants for approximately 300 years after it was built by Juan de Guevara and his son Gómez de Guevara, with the last owner apart from the Town Hall being Concepción Sandoval Moreno, Baroness of Petrés y de Mayals (1893-1988). Over that time a vast array of beautiful furniture was collected, some of the finest still being on display for visitors to admire at what has become one of the most popular destinations in Lorca since its reopening earlier this year.

The “new” sculptures are made out of Samak, a blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper, with elements of wood, and are between 45 and 58 cm high. They are as follows:

• Allegory of History by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier (1831-1893), a young dancer holding a book in her left hand and a pen in her right. Her foot rests on a globe, synonymous with universal knowledge.
• Allegory of Poetry by Augustin Moreau-Vauthier, another young dance holds Aphrodite’s lyre in her right hand and a sprig of almond tree in blossom in the right, symbolizing renovation and harmony.
• Allegory of Agriculture (anonymous), a young country girl and a “putti”, the girl sowing seeds with the support of the angel, who brings innocence and purity.

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.