The article reviews the exhibition 'Zurbarán' at the National Gallery in London, arguing that the show fails to capture the spiritual intensity and emotional power of the Spanish Baroque painter's work. It criticizes the curatorial choices, suggesting the display feels flat and lacks the ecstatic religious fervor that defines Zurbarán's best paintings, leaving viewers with a sense of agony rather than transcendence.
This review matters because it challenges the National Gallery's handling of a major Old Master exhibition, questioning how curatorial decisions can shape public perception of an artist's legacy. It also reflects broader debates about the effectiveness of blockbuster museum shows in conveying the historical and spiritual context of religious art to contemporary audiences.