AlmeríaCádizCórdobaGranadaHuelvaJaénMálagaSevillaAlpujarra AlmerienseLos VélezComarca Metropolitana de AlmeríaFilabres-TabernasLevante AlmeriensePoniente AlmerienseValle del AlmanzoraBahía de CádizCampiña de JerezCampo de GibraltarCosta NoroesteLa JandaSierra de CádizAlto GuadalquivirCampiña de BaenaCampiña Sur CordobesaLos PedrochesCórdoba (comarca)SubbéticaValle del GuadiatoValle Medio del GuadalquivirAlpujarra GranadinaComarca de AlhamaComarca de BazaComarca de GuadixComarca de HuéscarComarca de LojaCosta GranadinaLos MontesValle de LecrínVega de GranadaEl AndévaloEl Condado de HuelvaCosta OccidentalCuenca MineraComarca Metropolitana de HuelvaSierra de HuelvaÁrea Metropolitana de JaénCampiña de JaénEl Condado (Jaén)La LomaSierra de CazorlaSierra MáginaSierra MorenaSierra de SeguraSierra Sur de JaénLas VillasComarca de AntequeraLa AxarquíaGuadaltebaCosta del Sol OccidentalMálaga Costa del SolNorormaValle del GuadalhorceSerranía de RondaSierra de las NievesAljarafeBajo GuadalquivirCampiña de CarmonaCampiña de Morón y MarchenaComarca de ÉcijaComarca Metropolitana de SevillaSierra Norte de SevillaSierra Sur de SevillaVega del GuadalquivirAlmeríaCádizCórdobaGranadaHuelvaJaénMálagaSevillaAlpujarra AlmerienseLos VélezComarca Metropolitana de AlmeríaFilabres-TabernasLevante AlmeriensePoniente AlmerienseValle del AlmanzoraBahía de CádizCampiña de JerezCampo de GibraltarCosta NoroesteLa JandaSierra de CádizAlto GuadalquivirCampiña de BaenaCampiña Sur CordobesaLos PedrochesCórdoba (comarca)SubbéticaValle del GuadiatoValle Medio del GuadalquivirAlpujarra GranadinaComarca de AlhamaComarca de BazaComarca de GuadixComarca de HuéscarComarca de LojaCosta GranadinaLos MontesValle de LecrínVega de GranadaEl AndévaloEl Condado de HuelvaCosta OccidentalCuenca MineraComarca Metropolitana de HuelvaSierra de HuelvaÁrea Metropolitana de JaénCampiña de JaénEl Condado (Jaén)La LomaSierra de CazorlaSierra MáginaSierra MorenaSierra de SeguraSierra Sur de JaénLas VillasComarca de AntequeraLa AxarquíaGuadaltebaCosta del Sol OccidentalMálaga Costa del SolNorormaValle del GuadalhorceSerranía de RondaSierra de las NievesAljarafeBajo GuadalquivirCampiña de CarmonaCampiña de Morón y MarchenaComarca de ÉcijaComarca Metropolitana de SevillaSierra Norte de SevillaSierra Sur de SevillaVega del Guadalquivir

Pontifical Bull from 1726 Restored in Baena

The Brotherhood of Corpus Christi in Baena successfully recovers a unique historical document after two months of meticulous conservation work.

Restored ancient document, a pontifical bull from 1726.
IA

Restored ancient document, a pontifical bull from 1726.

The Royal and Very Ancient Sacramental Brotherhood of the Most Holy Corpus Christi of Baena has successfully completed the restoration of a pontifical bull dating back to 1726, a document of great historical and cultural value for the town.

This document, safeguarded for nearly three centuries, is a unique piece in Baena, and its recovery has been one of the most significant projects undertaken by the current governing board of the brotherhood. The intervention ensures the future preservation of this fundamental element of Baena's religious and cultural heritage.
Bulls are papal documents that grant privileges or indulgences. In this instance, the bull, issued by Pope Benedict XIII, formalizes the adherence of the Baena brotherhood to the Archconfraternity of the Most Holy Sacrament of Sopra Minerva, founded in 1539 by Pope Paul III, thereby granting it all the benefits associated with that institution.

"It is our responsibility to bequeath this document to future generations in the best possible condition, as it is living history of our brotherhood and of Baena's heritage."

the elder brother of the Corpus
The restoration was carried out by a specialist in cultural heritage conservation, who dedicated over two months to a detailed technical process. The bull was in a delicate state due to damage from wood-boring insects, humidity, abrupt temperature changes, and an old frame affected by woodworm, which had necessitated its removal from public display.
Key actions included an aqueous cleaning to remove degradation products causing yellowing and acidification of the paper, followed by a deacidification process with calcium hydroxide. Chemical bleaching was avoided to prevent further damage. Damaged areas were repaired with similar paper characteristics and neutral adhesives, and weakened areas were reinforced. Finally, the document was laminated with Japanese paper to provide consistency and allow for safe handling, concluding with the removal of deformations and chromatic reintegration.
The original inks remained unaltered during the intervention, guaranteeing the document's authenticity. Recommendations for preventive conservation have been established, such as avoiding direct sunlight exposure and maintaining stable temperature and humidity conditions. The restored bull now stands as a recovered testament to the brotherhood's history and an example of commitment to preserving Baena's historical heritage.