The Sacred Made Real in London

The Sacred Made Real in London
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By h.b. - Oct 22, 2009 - 9:38 AM

Work by Gregorio Fernández - EFE

The National Gallery opens an exhibition of sacred Spanish art

Paintings and sculptures from Spain’s ‘Siglo de Oro’, Golden Century, can be found at a new exhibition in the National Gallery in London. The show of sacred art is in the Sainsbury wing of the Museum in Trafalgar Square.

The show has been assembled by Xavier Bray, the assistant curator for 17th and 18th century European painting at the gallery, and he says it’s taken some ten years to put together. Bray says he has tried to change the common beliefs on the evolution of European art, such as Caravaggio was emulated by Velázquez or Zurbarán, and there is no doubt that the polychrome images on show, taken from museums, convents and churches in Madrid, Sevilla and Valladolid are nothing short of impressive. Residents of Spain will be reminded of the Easter processions when such images are paraded through the streets.

British critics have already heralded the show, noting particularly the more macabre parts, such as the head of John the Baptist, by Juan de Mesa.

The 32 works are shown under the title ‘The sacred made real’ continue at the National Gallery until January 24th.

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