It was during the traditional Autumn Fair that the small town of Ercé marked a rare event: the return of the painting “Christ in the Sacred Heart”, signed by the Italian painter Francisco Pedoya. This painting, dated from the 1860s, was rediscovered and unveiled in the Ercé church in the moved presence of Max and Nicole Pedoya, the artist's grandchildren. This work, which was known to be present in the Ercé church at the beginning of the 20th century, had mysteriously disappeared, replaced over time by a painting by the local artist Regagnon.
After extensive research undertaken by the “Patrimoine en Couserans” association with the support of the Ercé town hall, the painting was found. Under the presidency of Nicole Latché, the association meticulously explored the local archives, until one day the canvas reappeared at the bottom of the sacristy deposit, unfortunately damaged by decades of humidity. Once authenticated by experts, the decision was taken to restore this piece according to the rules of the art, a task entrusted to Jérôme Diaz, a renowned restorer working in particular with the Musée des Augustins de Toulouse. For a year, he worked meticulously to restore the canvas to its original colors and shine.
Nicole Latché, in the preamble to the ceremony, underlined the importance of the commitment of the town hall, represented by Christian Carrère, mayor of Ercé, as well as the insight of the inhabitants. “Without this local mobilization, this work would have remained forgotten. It is together that we are bringing our heritage back to life,” she declared. Father Bertrand de Sentenac, parish priest, officiated at the blessing of the painting which now sits in the choir of the church, under the emotional gaze of the villagers and the painter's descendants. This restoration was entirely financed by the association's funds as well as by private donations, testifying to the common desire to protect the artistic heritage of the region.
With this return, the “Patrimoine en Couserans” association continues its objective of listing and promoting the authenticated works of Pedoya, with a view to heritage and artistic recognition. This return of “Christ to the Sacred Heart” in the church of Ercé also symbolizes a great success for local artistic memory.
