Two paintings from the 17th century that are preserved in the sacristy of the Basilica de la Mercè are graphic evidence that the patron saint of Barcelona had a valuable silver throne until the beginning of the 19th century, which Napoleon's troops took with them in their retreat, in 1814, from the city. The two canvases are probably the only graphic documentation that the throne ever existed.
The ashlar was decorated with a series of cherubs arranged around its perimeter and above the cloak that then covered the patron saint, in addition to the city's shield. The first painting is in the sacristy room and was purchased a few years ago at auction by the parish, precisely because of the pictorial representation of the throne. To the right of the Virgin you can see a human figure, which represents the sponsor of the work.
The second canvas, smaller, is also in the sacristy, but inside the office of the rector, Fermín Delgado, who explains that at the beginning of the civil war it was kept by a parishioner and was returned to the parish a few years ago. . In this case, the painting is richer in detail. Father Fermín highlights the coincidence in the design of the throne in both paintings.
The throne disappeared when Napoleon's army, which had occupied the city in 1808, withdrew in 1814. At that time, the basilica was part of the Mercedarian convent —the current Captaincy—, one of the buildings requisitioned by the invading troops. The image of La Mercè had then been placed in a safe place in the cathedral to avoid its desecration. The same thing that had happened in 1714 during the Bourbon siege of Barcelona.
The current Baroque basilica began to be built in 1765 and the works lasted 10 years. It replaced the previous Gothic temple. The looted throne was created in 1689, two years after the Consell de Cent proclaimed La Mercè patron saint of the city, who had been asked for protection against a plague of locusts that began in 1687 and lasted a year.
