The upcoming August 4 marks the 125th anniversary of the Lady of Elche, a landmark Iberian sculpture housed today at La Alcudia. Since its 1897 discovery, this statue has stood as a defining symbol of Iberian identity, recognized globally, and increasingly interpreted across art, history, and cultural studies. In recognition of the milestone, the University of Alicante organized an exhibition in the La Alcudia University Foundation Monographic Museum lobby, titled “The Lady of Elche: The Birth of the Icon.” The exhibit was curated with insights from renowned archaeologists and researchers involved in Iberian studies.
IDENTITY OF ELCHE LADY
The exhibition traces a historical arc from the moment of discovery to the present day. It recounts how, on August 4, 1897, the Iberian bust began shaping a shared local and national narrative, appearing in publications, catalogs, and image archives that elevated it as a cultural emblem. Visitors encounter documents, artifacts, photographs, and press clippings that illuminate the sculpture’s dual role as a record of ancient history and as a lasting symbol of feminine beauty. An article in a contemporary magazine even praised the Lady of Elche as one of the world’s most beautiful women, highlighting how the statue has become a touchstone for discussions of aesthetics and national identity. The exhibition’s curator, Ana Ronda, notes that the Lady continues to evoke interpretation and pride, and in some displays a colored reproduction demonstrates pigmentation methods believed to reflect historical appearances.
Another major highlight is the collection of unpublished manuscripts by historian Pedro Ibarra, which document the moment of discovery and include clippings, photos, and sketches, all gathered into a narrative that had not been publicly presented before. These manuscripts were part of material once held by the Ramos family, later connected to the La Alcudia site. Alejandro Ramos Folqués established the La Alcudia Monographic Museum in 1948 after discoveries on his family’s land, and his descendants have continued to contribute to the understanding of the site. The show presents this lineage and the ongoing role of La Alcudia in archaeological education and regional heritage.
The exhibition also features exchanges and travels of the Lady through major institutions. A notable chapter recounts the sculpture’s temporary stay at the Louvre in Paris, followed by a 1941 return to Spain as part of a cultural exchange during a complex era. The work’s journey has been tied to broader political and cultural narratives, and curators emphasize how the bust has remained a potent symbol within Spanish art history. Ana Ronda stresses that the Lady’s roots are deeply embedded in the land, a sentiment echoed by other scholars who highlight the asset’s continued influence on national heritage laws and heritage management.
The piece traveled to Paris merely two weeks after its discovery, with the Spaniard Manuel Campello involved in the initial exchanges. The bust was later sold in the 20th century and spent time in Madrid’s national museums, becoming a distinguished element of Spain’s archaeological record. Today, the city of Elche remains committed to repatriation efforts and to presenting the bust within a broader context of La Alcudia’s heritage. The ministry of culture continues to review historical assessments in relation to this request, while the exhibition underscores the Lady’s role as a foundational symbol of Spanish identity and female beauty.
The Minister’s Report and Return Debates
The exhibit also revisits a long-running debate about the possible return of the Lady to Elche. It presents memorabilia such as pins, coins, and stamps that feature the bust, illustrating how tightly the artifact is bound to La Alcudia’s regional identity. The UA’s research leadership reiterates a commitment to transforming La Alcudia into a national and international reference point for archaeological education, research, and cultural tourism within the Valencian Community. The site remains largely unexplored, offering vast potential for further discoveries about the Iberian setting and its people. The narrative closes with a reflection on the Lady’s enduring significance as a living symbol of origin and belonging in modern Spain.
The anniversary date, August 4, 1897, is remembered as the moment a young farm worker encountered the Lady during routine work near Elche, a discovery that has continued to shape regional identity for 125 years and beyond.