In 2016, Juan Francisco, a homeowner in Spain, embarked on a routine renovation of his property—only to uncover an extraordinary piece of Renaissance art hidden behind a wall. The discovery brought his construction to an immediate halt and sparked excitement among historians and art experts.

🔍 The Discovery

• Location: The bas-relief was found concealed behind a wall in Juan’s house, likely hidden for centuries.
• Artist & Era: The work was identified as belonging to Andrés de Vandelvira (1509–1575), a master architect and sculptor of the Spanish Renaissance, known for his contributions to Andalusian architecture (e.g., Jaén Cathedral, Úbeda’s Sacra Capilla del Salvador).
• Dating: Estimated to be from the 16th century (though initial reports suggested the 14th century, Vandelvira’s lifetime confirms the later period).

🏛️ Significance of the Find

• Rare Survival: Many Renaissance artworks in Spain were destroyed or altered over time, making this well-preserved bas-relief a valuable discovery.
• Vandelvira’s Legacy: Known for blending Italian Renaissance styles with Spanish Gothic traditions, this piece could provide new insights into his lesser-known sculptural work.
• Possible Origins: The house might have been part of (or built over) a noble residence, chapel, or monastery from the 1500s.

🏡 What Happened Next?

• Juan Francisco alerted local authorities, as Spanish law mandates that such finds must be reported.
• Cultural Heritage Intervention: Experts from the Andalusian Historical Heritage Insтιтute examined the artwork, likely halting further renovations until its significance was ᴀssessed.
• Future Plans: If deemed of high historical value, the bas-relief could be removed for restoration and museum display, or the house itself might be declared a protected site.

🎨 Why This Matters

• Lost Art Rediscovered: Many Renaissance works were plastered over or repurposed during later periods (e.g., Baroque modifications).
• Urban Archaeology: Spain’s historic cities often conceal medieval and Renaissance remnants beneath modern buildings.
• Legal & Ethical Duty: In Spain, private property owners must permit investigations if significant cultural heritage is found.

Did the bas-relief stay in place or get moved to a museum? While follow-up details are scarce, such finds often end up in regional museums (e.g., Jaén’s Museo Provincial). If you’re curious, I can search for updates!

Would you like more details on Vandelvira’s other works or Spain’s laws on archaeological discoveries?