In Spain in the 17th and 18th centuries, religious art was characterised by burgeoning realism that saw the divine represented in meticulous detail.
This exhibition showcases that context and draws out the skills of the artists of the time.
The other fascinating aspect of religious art is the way certain images are fetishised.
Just as the image of Britney dressed as a schoolgirl speaks to our peccadilloes and anxieties, so does the image of Christ splayed on the cross.
TOM STURROCK
» National Gallery, Trafalgar Sq, WC2N 5DN, (nationalgallery.org.uk). Until Jan 24. £8
