Vitrina Cero: The odyssey of the Lady: 125th anniversary of... (EN)

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Descubrimiento de la Dama de Elche. Fundación La Alcudia

REPLICA OF THE LADY OF ELCHE 1908 Copy no.3 of the model made by Ignacio Pinazo Martínez at the Musée du Louvre. He worked alongside the original piece, and the glass hood was only lifted three times so he could take measurements. He delivered the piece-mould to Lucas Bartolozzi (casting workshop of the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts) for creating the replicas.

FEMALE HEAD 4th-3rd century BC Shrine of Cerro de los Santos, Albacete Broken at the base of the neck. A veil hangs from a mitre, whose height cannot be determined due to breakage, leaving two rows of locks or diadems visible on the forehead. A series of parallel plaits hang on either side of the face and rest on other decorative motifs that may have ended in rosettes or other ornaments, something only apparent on the left side. It was part of the collection of José Polao Marco, the "priest of La Concepción", and was purchased by Pierre Paris for the Musée du Louvre.

MALE FIGURE WITH BREASTPLATE 3rd-1st century BC Osuna, Seville Fragment of a male figure carved in haut-relief, probably full length, though all that remains is part of the raised right arm and the torso, partially covered by a breastplate with decorative plant motifs. The tunic is visible under the arm. This ashlar was presumably part of a more recent heroon-type funerary monument in Osuna. After Arthur Engel and Pierre Paris's excavations in 1903, the piece was sent to the Musée du Louvre.

BUST 3rd-1st century BC Osuna, Seville Male figure wearing a tunic belted at the waist and a radial crown on his head. After Arthur Engel and Pierre Paris's excavations in 1903, the piece was sent to the Musée du Louvre.

HEAD 3rd-1st century BC Redován, Alicante Head of a fantastic creature with very sharp features, framed by long ringlets that conceal the ears. Acquired by Pierre Paris for the Musée du Louvre in 1899.

1897 The Lady of Elche is discovered The Musée du Louvre buys the Lady Fundación La Alcudia

1916 At the Louvre, Ignacio Pinazo makes the replica of the Lady that was later displayed at the MAN Archivo Casa-Museo Pinazo Archivo MAN

1940 Exchange of artworks between France and Spain ARCM. Fondo Yubero. 16026/2. 037199_006_141

1941 Exhibition of the returned works at the Museo del Prado and installation of the Lady ARCM. Fondo Yubero. 16026/2. 030736_002_141 Archivo Ruiz Vernacci. Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España, Madrid, Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte

1971 The lady enters the collection of the MAN, where she has been on display ever since Archivo MAN Archivo MAN

THE ODYSSEY OF THE LADY: 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER DISCOVERY The Lady of Elche was discovered in La Alcudia 125 years ago, at a time when Spain's cultural heritage laws had not yet forbidden the removal of archaeological artefacts from our territory. Before Spain could even consider acquiring it, the piece was sold to France and exhibited at the Louvre. The Lady came home in 1941 thanks to an exchange of cultural assets between the two countries, which also brought back other important pieces such as the Guarrazar Crowns or the Moñes Diadem. QR: Find out what other pieces returned in 1941 with the Lady of Elche