Dedication of a tile in honor of Paz Vélez at the Seville locale where Santa Genoveva sculpted The Captive and the Virgin of the Mercedes
In the heart of Seville's Arenal neighbourhood, a new tile has been inaugurated, marking a significant milestone for the city's artistic and religious news. The tile, a work by the Sevillian ceramist Maribel Parente, pays tribute to the legendary sculptor José Paz Vélez, who created the iconic images of Our Father Jesus Cautivo and Our Lady of the Shipwreck for the Brotherhood of Santa Genoveva in the 1950s.
The Brotherhood of Santa Genoveva, which makes its penitential station on Holy Week every Palm Sunday, has announced the installation of this new news. The images on the tile depict Our Father Jesus Cautivo and Our Lady of the Mercedes Coronada, which are the titulars of the Brotherhood.
José Paz Vélez passed away 14 years ago, but his legacy lives on. His work, created between 1956 and 1957, continues to be a source of pride for the city. José Luis Sanz, the mayor of Seville, recognised Paz Vélez as an illustrious son of Seville who brought these iconic figures to life.
The tile, located at number 27 of Arfe Street, was placed under the initiative of the governing board of the Brotherhood of Santa Genoveva. It commemorates the figure of the sculptor José Paz Vélez and his early workshop.
Sanz emphasised the importance of this new addition to the neighbourhood, stating that the Arenal neighbourhood and its Postigo arch, through which the Santa Genoveva brotherhood passes every Holy Week, will be even more of a Tiro de Línea with the new news. Tiro de Línea is a traditional procession route in Seville.
The event was attended by José Enrique González, the mayor of the corporation, and his governing board, including José Luis Sanz, mayor of Seville; Manuel Áles, delegate of Major Festivals; Blanca Gastalver, delegate of the South District; and Luis García, director of the South District. They extended their 'most sincere' embrace to all the brothers and devotees of the Captive and the Mercedes.
Antonio Fernández, an expert of the brotherhood of Santa Genoveva and one of its founders, kept a secret about Paz Vélez for many years. In the late 80s, he introduced the remains of the feet of the previous body of the Cautivo into the chest of the new one. This act ensured the continuity of Paz Vélez's work and news.
The new tile is a testament to the enduring influence of José Paz Vélez and his contribution to Seville's rich cultural tapestry. It serves as a reminder of the city's artistic and religious news and the importance of preserving and celebrating it.
