The tilma of Juan Diego, where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is located, has survived almost five centuries without the Catholic Church ordering a total repainting of the image. Unlike most of the religious works of the 16th century -which require periodic restorations to remain in good condition-, the Guadalupe image does not show significant deterioration in its main elements, something that has surprised researchers, scientists, restorers and scholars of sacred art.<\/p>\n
Most notably, according to analyses carried out by physicist and biologist Phillip Callahan in the 1970s, as well as by restorers from the Basilica of Guadalupe, most of the image does not show the typical layers of paint, primer or varnish typical of 16th century art. Under infrared light, no brush strokes can be detected on the tunic, mantle or face, indicating that the technique used -whatever it may be- does not correspond to the known artistic practices of the time.<\/p>\n
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\nAccording to tradition, #UnD\u00edaComoCoy<\/a> in 1531 the first of the four apparitions of the Virgin of #Guadalupe<\/a> to St. Juan Diego occurred. pic.twitter.com\/HrSXJqLtph<\/a><\/p>\n
– Soumaya Museum (@ElMuseoSoumaya) December 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n