The Image of the Cristo de la Salud at the Franciscan Friary of Stepa (Spain).

Historical and Artistic Report and Current Conservation Status

Abstract

This article calls attention to the current state of preservation of the sculptured image of a Crucified Christ «of paper» whom the faithful invoke as the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud (Most Holy Christ of Health). It is kept in the church of the Franciscan friary of the Sevillian town of Estepa and can be accurately dated to the seventeenth century. After offering a catalogue of the sculptures made with this technique that are preserved in the town of Estepa, documentary and historical testimonies referencing the Cristo de la Salud are presented. This study then offers a preliminary assessment of the current state of preservation of the sculpture, and concludes that a more comprehensive technical analysis is needed before future restoration work is undertaken.