LANDMARK EXHIBITION TO EXPLORE IMPACT OF LIFELIKE RELIGIOUS SCULPTURES ON PAINTINGS FROM BAROQUE SPAIN, ON VIEW AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
FEBRUARY 28-MAY 31, 2010

Attributed to Juan Martinez Montañés
Immaculate Conception (la Purisma), about 1628
polychromed wood
University of Seville

(Updated December 11, 2009) Washington, DC— Arrestingly real sculptures and paintings of the saints, the Immaculate Conception, and the Passion of Christ are among some 20 Spanish masterpieces of the 17th century on view in a landmark exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, from February 28 through May 31, 2010.The Sacred Made Real: Spanish Painting and Sculpture, 1600-1700 will showcase major paintings by Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán, and Francisco Pacheco, with painted and gilded sculptures carved by Gregorio Fernández, Juan Martínez Montañés, and Pedro de Mena, among others.

The exhibition will also reveal the dynamic and intricate relationship between two-dimensional pictures on canvas and painted sculptures that has long been noted by scholars but little known by the general public. Many of the sculptures have never been exhibited away from the Spanish churches, convents, and monasteries where they continue to be venerated and to inspire the faithful.

“We hope that this exhibition will convey the artistic excellence and spiritual profundity of Spanish art to our visitors,” said Earl A. Powell III. “We are grateful to the museums and Spanish ecclesiastical institutions that have agreed to lend these exceptional works of art, which together provide an illuminating and powerful experience.”

The Sacred Made Real is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and National Gallery, London, where it will be on view from October 21, 2009, through January 24, 2010.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 12:11 pm and is filed under Art Exhibitions, Jesus, Saints, The Blessed Virgin Mary.