2 years ago
I have to admit that I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this exhibition too much prior to going. Not being overly religious (for years I thought that the difference between Catholicism and Church of England was that Catholics sung in Latin), nor having a particular penchant for late Renaissance art, though having spent a day at Madrid’s Prado museum earlier in the year has begun to change my preconceptions.
The exhibition is in the Sainsbury Wing - so by default is small. It is beautifully lit - am not sure if the low lighting is for the protection of the art works or for a sombre effect for the subject matter, either way it works well and brings a dark mood to the works.
The pieces fall into polychrome sculpture (painted sculpture) and painting. What grabbed my attention most was the focus and use of lighting in the works, there was little in terms of non-important background, rather the artisit has foucussed sharply on his subject matter. The works by Zurbaran on St Francis being case in point. I would be proud with that alluding to his composotions in my photographs. All consuming and beautiful.
There is a distinct realism in the sculpture, particulary surrounding the Passion of Christ - and indeed in the first room of John the Baptists head. The Chapman brothers would be proud of the level of gore and the finesse of it’s representation.
So - I thoroughly enjoyed, it’s small and not too cheap, but worth a visit. See link below for more details…
