The admission of modern art into a neo-gothic patrimonial temple, anticipation of building interventions for a post-conciliar liturgy

The Eucharistic Altarpiece of the Immaculate Conception in the Cathedral of Mar del Plata, Argentina

Abstract

Scarce years before the Second Vatican Council, the accidental burning of an altarpiece in the Cathedral Church of Mar del Plata (Argentina), gave rise to a new and provocative work erected there —the only expression of modern religious art that would have existed for a long time in the city.
The new altarpiece (1961) was commissioned by Bishop Enrique Rau —an outstanding personality in liturgical music— who actively participated in all sessions of the Vatican II, as a member of the World Commission for the Reform of the Liturgy and as President of the Liturgical Department of CELAM.
The artwork, emerged from an artistic, cultural and spiritual context different from that which prevailed when the Neo-Gothic cathedral was built, stands out in its field expressing changes occurred in form and language, in view of the renovation that the local Church would begin shortly after, to adapt to the liturgical modifications arising from the Council.