A historic photograph has unveiled the long-lost baroque altarpiece of Santa Maria Organyà. Cultural activist Montserrat Riu urges local authorities to honor this significant find.
A remarkable discovery at the Arxiu Nacional de Catalunya has brought to light the image of a baroque altarpiece that once adorned the church of Santa Maria in Organyà. This piece, known as the retablo de la Mare de Déu del Roser, had been missing for over a century, with no public images available until now. The revelation comes from cultural activist and documentary filmmaker Montserrat Riu, who emphasized its historical significance for the community.
Riu’s investigation began with a search on the Generalitat de Catalunya’s Archivos en Línea portal, where she stumbled upon several photographs from the Germans Roig collection. Among these was a snapshot taken on July 17, 1923, which captured not only the altarpiece but also other notable artifacts like the romanesque sculpture of Mare de Déu de Gràcia.
“We knew about the existence of the Roser chapel within Santa Maria because it is well-documented,” Riu stated. “However, we had no visual reference for this retablo until now.” She described her find as “historic” for Organyà, highlighting its potential to enhance local cultural heritage.
The Roser chapel was attached to one wall of Santa Maria and was demolished in 1911 during renovations. Following its destruction, it is believed that the altarpiece may have been relocated within the church before ultimately disappearing—likely destroyed during early months of the Spanish Civil War when many religious artifacts were lost across various towns.
The newly uncovered photograph reveals that this baroque altarpiece was crafted from polychrome wood and featured intricate details. At its center stood an image of Our Lady of the Rosary crowned and surrounded by saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena. Above them, angels held an organ—a detail possibly linked to local musical traditions associated with religious celebrations.
Riu advocates for actions by both Organyà’s parish and municipal authorities to promote awareness about this significant piece of history. She suggests creating an informative panel inside Santa Maria or even installing a replica of the retablo to commemorate its legacy. “Given its importance, I believe there should be some form of intervention by both the diocese and city hall to ensure this retablo is recognized,” she argued.
The Roser chapel first appeared in documentation back in 1788, when Bourbon official Francisco de Zamora described various altars within Santa Maria Organyà. It later appeared on a map created by military engineers in 1853, further solidifying its historical relevance.
This rediscovery not only enriches Organyà’s cultural narrative but also serves as a reminder of how fragile heritage can be amid societal upheaval. As local officials consider Riu’s proposals, residents are encouraged to engage with their history through upcoming community discussions aimed at preserving such vital pieces of their past.
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