Rare 17th-century works go on display

Three rare 17th-century masterpieces by one of Spain’s most celebrated sculptors have gone on display in Bishop Auckland.

The Spanish Gallery has opened Pedro de Mena: Sculpting the Sacred, bringing together three works by Pedro de Menaand his studio until January 3, 2027.

Born in Granada in 1628, de Mena became renowned for creating remarkably lifelike religious figures, combining intricately carved and painted wood with details including reverse-painted glass eyes and, in some works, human hair eyelashes.

The exhibition features The Virgin and Child, The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Peter of Alcántara.

At its centre is a life-size Virgin and Child dating from around 1680, depicting an intimate moment between mother and child.

While the Virgin is portrayed serenely, the Christ Child appears poised for movement as he plays with the edge of a piece of fabric, demonstrating de Mena’s ability to create a sense of life and emotion from carved wood.

Visitors can also discover the painstaking techniques behind Spanish polychrome sculpture.

The process involved carving figures before applying gesso, a smooth white primer preparing the wood for painting, followed by specialist techniques to create realistic skin tones and facial expressions.

Known as encarnación, the latter translates literally as “the process of making something into flesh”.

Morlin Ellis, research curator at the Spanish Gallery and Library, said: “Pedro de Mena had an extraordinary ability to transform wood into figures which feel startlingly human.

“These works allow visitors to see up close the incredible craftsmanship, colour and emotion that made him one of the greatest sculptors of Spain’s Golden Age. 

“They are a wonderful addition to the Spanish Gallery and another opportunity to experience exceptional Spanish art here in Bishop Auckland.”

The exhibition adds to the collection at the Arts Council England-accredited Spanish Gallery, which opened in Bishop Auckland’s Market Place in 2021.

The four-floor attraction is the UK’s first and only museum devoted entirely to the art, history and culture of Spain, with its collection featuring Spanish Golden Age artists including El Greco, Velázquez and Zurbarán.

It was officially inaugurated in April 2022 by Queen Letizia of Spain and the then-Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

The gallery forms part of The Auckland Project, a regeneration charity using art, heritage and culture to support Bishop Auckland’s future.

Its attractions also include Auckland Palace, the Mining Art Gallery and Faith Museum, alongside extensive gardens and Deer Park.

Pedro de Mena: Sculpting the Sacred runs at the Spanish Gallery until January 3. To find out more, click here.

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