Realistic Depictions of Religious Art

Unlike the religious sculpture of Northern Europe under the influence of Protestantism which shied away from devotionals and meditation. The Spanish following the trend of the Baroque reaction and made their art colorful and life like.

The Sacred Made Real is an showcase of such art in Britain at the National Gallery, London will bring this art form to the larger world and audiences unfamiliar with Spanish Sculpture. Originally displayed at the recently reopened the Valladolid museum in Northern Spain.

A part of Spain's strong Catholic faith and devotion to the Passion the ancient faith birthed a surprising modern style of art. The intricacies of Baroque art would please any modern viewer with their almost surreal lines and in depth pathos.

Such artwork can also be seen in the areas of the new world that were part of the Spanish Empire, even in the California Missions. A tribute to the intense faith that spurred missionaries to go into the unknown.

The details expressed in such works as "Dead Christ" Gregorio Fernández involved eyes made from glass, teeth of ivory, and cork painted to look like coagulated blood. Though seen as out of place one must remember that even the plain statues of Ancient Greece were at one time painted to be life like.

It may be difficult for some to accept the varied hues and life like detail of people expecting the simple white of marble or muted browns of bronze usually seen in sculpture. The Sacred Made Real hopefully will bring the audience to understand and enjoy such works.

Written by Seamus Esparza