San Juan Cathedral Restores Six Historic Iron Sculptures

The Cathedral of San Juan has completed an integral restoration of its six 19th‑century iron cast sculptures by Val D’Osne, originally acquired from France in 1870. After being removed following the 1944 earthquake, the figures – representing the four evangelists plus Saints John the Baptist and Peter – were stored in various church sites. A three‑month conservation effort led by specialists from Mendoza and San Juan cleaned away accumulated paint layers, treated severe oxidation, applied protective micro‑wax, and installed a new anchoring system. The restored statues have been re‑mounted on the façade, illuminated with a new lighting system, and accompanied by informational plaques. The project was coordinated by the Archdiocese of San Juan, supported by the provincial patronage law, Banco San Juan Foundation, and technical experts such as conservationist Cristina Sonegoy, with priest Andrés Riveros speaking on the completion.