Dramatic Spanish Painting Comes To The West End

El Greco to Goya, The Wallace Collection ★★★☆☆

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 77 months ago

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Dramatic Spanish Painting Comes To The West End El Greco to Goya, The Wallace Collection 3
This small exhibition is set across two rooms. Image courtesy The Wallace Collection.

A repentant St Peter clasps his hand in prayer as he looks heavenwards, tears in his eyes, seeking repentance for his betrayal of Christ. Nearby St Andrew is dramatically lit as he's crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Tears well in the repentant St. Peter's eyes in this painting by El Greco. Copyright The Bowes Museum.

This small exhibition at Wallace Collection features solely Spanish artists, bookended by two of Spain's finest — El Greco and Goya. The works are all on loan from the Bowes Museum in county Durham, so it's a rare chance to see these works in London for locals.

Religion is the main theme but the odd still life does make an appearance. Copyright The Bowes Museum.

As would be expected from 16th-18th century Spanish painting religion takes centre stage with saints and the Virgin appearing in most of these works. The one truly impressive work is the tears of St Peter by El Greco, the watery eyes feel like they might start dripping from the canvas at any moment.

A dramatic crucifixion of St Andrew. Copyright The Bowes Museum.

The other works here are a strong collection, but none of them can match the powerful El Greco.

El Greco to Goya - Spanish Masterpieces from The Bowes Museum at Wallace Collection until 7 January. Entrance is free.

Last Updated 04 October 2017