Christ at Center of Spanish Sculptor Alonso Berruguete’s Art

THE ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HERALD
By Nora Hamerman

“The Adoration of the Magi,” c. 1537-38, by Spanish sculptor Alonso Berruguete is a painted wood with gilding depiction of the Holy Family. St. Joseph peers over Mary’s shoulder as she looks down at the babe squirming to receive the gift of the oldest king. NORA HAMERMAN | COURTESY

For the first time, the work of celebrated Spanish sculptor Alonso Berruguete is being featured at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Not only did Berruguete bring the emotional power and physical realism of the Italian Renaissance to Spain, he brought Christ back to the center of Spanish religious art. As liturgical Christmastide draws to a close Jan. 12, Berruguete’s moving paintings, sculptures and drawings invite us to contemplate the mystery of salvation from the birth of Christ to his death and resurrection. “Alonso Berruguete: First Sculptor of Renaissance Spain” is in Washington until Feb. 17 at the National Gallery of Art, which is free and open to the public every day. [More]