Some pieces of the collection destined for the new historical section of the Terra Sancta Museum have returned to St Saviour's Convent in Jerusalem.
They have returned from Italy after a long restoration period thanks to the support of the Rome Foundation and the patronage of the Italian Consulate in Jerusalem.
Br STÉPHANE MILOVITCH, ofm
Director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Custody of the Holy Land
"This work is the oldest on this table. It is a painting of the stigmata of St Francis, dating from the 15th century. It appears to have been in the former headquarters of the Custody of the Holy Land on Mount Zion - before its transfer to St Saviour's Convent."
The Museum will collect paintings representing both the founder of the Franciscan Order, St Francis of Assisi, and St Clare: all recently restored paintings dating from the 16th century.
Br STÉPHANE MILOVITCH, ofm
Director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Custody of the Holy Land
There are paintings of St Clare carrying the Blessed Sacrament and St Francis praying while looking very ill.
A recently restored 17th century painting of Charles II, Archduke of Austria in the 16th century, one of the most famous donors to the Custody of the Holy Land, will also be on display.
Br STÉPHANE MILOVITCH, ofm
Director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Custody of the Holy Land
"This painting is by Pope Clement and will be displayed in the Museum. Work on its restoration was completed in the Holy Land a few weeks ago."
A restoration that also included drawings by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi who worked in the Holy Land.
Br STÉPHANE MILOVITCH, ofm
Director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Custody of the Holy Land
"These are two sketches by Barluzzi, who designed the Church of Gethsemane, the Church of Mount Tabor and many of our churches in the Holy Land.
Before drawing the church, he wanted to show the Friars Minor how the structure should be designed, something that is nowadays done by computer.
These two sketches date back to 1919 and the church was built six years later."
In addition to these works of art, a number of sculptures have just returned from the restoration phase.
Br STÉPHANE MILOVITCH, ofm
Director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Custody of the Holy Land
"These two angels were located in the pharmacy of the Franciscan Friars, considered in ancient times to be the 'doctors' of the Old Town."
These two angels decorated the facade of the pharmacy.
The pharmacy also housed the statue of St. Anthony, the patron saint of the sick, whose restoration was recently completed.
The Terra Sancta Museum makes the Christian presence in the Holy Land visible to all visitors of various religions and offers the opportunity to learn about its history and deep roots in this land.
