Photo : Musée du Louvre / Nicolas Bousser
Sculpting Color. Masterpieces from the National Museum of Sculpture, Valladolid
Organized at the same time and within the same space as the monographic exhibition dedicated to the painter Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664), which allows for interplay between the works thanks to a jointly conceived scenography, the exhibition invites visitors to discover 17th-century Spanish sculpture.
Musée du Louvre (Paris 1st)
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These are largely religious sculptures in polychrome wood with striking naturalism, which allow for a better understanding of the cultural and religious environment that frames the work of the great Spanish painters of the same period, foremost among them Zurbarán, Velázquez, or Murillo, at a time when the links between painting and sculpture were very close.
The exhibition will particularly highlight the loan of a complete processional paso, a monumental ensemble of five life-size sculpted and painted figures, dating from the early 17th century, the work of Gregorio Fernández, a great sculptor then active in Valladolid, presented at eye level to allow for the most direct observation possible. The journey will continue through several thematic axes: the cult of relics and the role of intercessory saints, dressed statues, the representation of the sufferings of Christ and the Virgin, private devotion, and the Immaculate Conception.
It will thus be possible to explore the different uses and meanings of these sculptures, but also to better understand their materiality, regional and stylistic inflections, and the personality of the main sculptors of that time, active in Castile or Andalusia, through other works by Gregorio Fernández, as well as Alonso Cano, Juan de Mesa, José de Mora, Pedro de Mena, Jerónimo Francisco and Miguel Jerónimo García, José de Arce, Pedro Roldán, or even Luisa Roldán, one of the rare female artists to have had a dazzling career up to the royal court.
Besides the Camino del Calvario paso, among the major loans of this exhibition, never seen in France, are notably the Cristo de la Luz also by Gregorio Fernández, a life-size Christ on the Cross with striking naturalism, or the Saint John the Baptist, a masterpiece by Alonso Cano. The Virgin and Child with Saint John the Baptist by Luisa Roldán and The Immaculate Conception by Pedro de Mena dated 1680, linked to a competition organized by the Bishop of Granada, two major recent acquisitions of the museum, spectacularly restored, will also be presented.
Our take on this event
Forget sterile white marble; these masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age breathe with a haunting, visceral realism that feels almost alive. Featuring towering processional sculptures never before displayed in France, this exhibition is a masterful collision of faith, craft, and sheer dramatic tension.
From November 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027, the Louvre Museum presents a landmark exhibition dedicated to Spanish Golden Age sculpture. This collection of polychrome wooden figures highlights the intense naturalism of the period, featuring works by Gregorio Fernández, Alonso Cano, and Luisa Roldán. Visitors can experience rare masterpieces, including a monumental processional paso, providing deep insight into the intersection of faith and art. Access to the exhibition is ticketed, with prices ranging from 22 to 32 euros depending on the time slot, and advance booking is required for all visitors planning to attend this unique event in the 1st arrondissement.
This exhibition at the Louvre explores the intricate world of Spanish religious sculpture, focusing on the vibrant cultural atmosphere shared by great painters like Velázquez and Zurbarán. The display places particular emphasis on the processional paso by Gregorio Fernández, a massive five-figure ensemble shown at eye level, allowing for a direct and detailed observation of its craftsmanship.
Through thematic sections, the exhibition examines the role of saints, private devotion, and the representation of the Virgin and Christ. Beyond Fernández, the selection includes works by significant sculptors such as Juan de Mesa, Pedro de Mena, and the pioneering artist Luisa Roldán. Several pieces, including the Cristo de la Luz, are presented in France for the very first time.
Opening hours are from 09:00 to 21:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 09:00 to 18:00 on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are available between 22 and 32 euros. Given the prestige of these items—many of which have undergone spectacular restoration—visitors are encouraged to book their tickets in advance.
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