The Catalan government has formally demanded €790,000 from the government of Aragon for expenses related to the Sijena monastery artworks that were previously housed in Lleida. This extrajudicial claim, announced by Aragon officials on Friday, seeks to recover costs for the acquisition, conservation, and restoration of pieces held at the Lleida Museum for decades before their transfer to the Aragonese monastery in December 2017.
According to the Aragonese executive, Catalonia is claiming approximately €420,000 for purchases made last century. An additional €370,000 is sought for maintenance and restoration work carried out on the art while it remained in Catalonia.
The document, signed by Catalan Culture Minister Sònia Hernández, states that the Generalitat acquired 56 art pieces from the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Sijena in 1983 and 1992. These pieces subsequently became part of the Lleida Museum's collection.
Details of the Acquisition and Transfer
The purchase contracts for the artworks were formalised with Pilar Sanjoaquín, who was then the federal mother of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and prioress of the Valldoreix monastery. The long-running legal dispute over these works ended in December 2017. The pieces were moved from Catalonia to Aragon in the early hours of the morning, under a large police operation, amidst significant political and heritage tension.
The transfer of these Lleida-held works from Catalonia was a direct result of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which the Spanish government applied after the 1 October referendum. This intervention allowed for the controversial move.
Ongoing Disputes and Future Steps
This latest claim adds another layer to the complex and often contentious relationship between Catalonia and Aragon regarding the Sijena collection. The Aragonese government recently requested five Sijena altarpieces, currently on display in Lleida, for a temporary exhibition. This shows the ongoing nature of the dispute over the art.
The extrajudicial claim represents a formal step by Catalonia to recoup what it considers legitimate expenses. The next phase will likely involve negotiations between the two regional governments or further legal action if an agreement cannot be reached.
