Glasgow to host major religious art exhibition

Sandro Botticelli's Annunciation

Some of Europe's finest religious paintings go on show in Glasgow this spring and summer at Kelvingrove Museum. And according to Archbishop Conti, they can serve as a great stimulus to the spiritual life.

The Essence of Beauty - 500 Years of Italian Art - runs until August 12 and brings together priceless religious masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, Botticelli and many others. All belong to Glasgow's civic collection but some have not been seen in public for 100 years.

The Archbishop is encouraging parishioners across the Archdiocese to visit the exhibition over the next few months.

He said: "This is a truly unique opportunity to see some of the world's top religious art on our own doorstep. Some of the works are obvious aids to prayer and devotion, and they will surely inspire visitors to deeper reverence and reflection."

The Archbishop himself part-sponsored the restoration of a fine scene of the Adoration of the Magi by an anonymous artist from either Rome or Naples dated shortly after 1500. After following its restoration, resulting in a vivid, almost 3D effect, he declared himself "delighted" at the finished work when it was shown to him by the Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, Dr Bridget McConnell.

The image above is Sandro Botticelli's Annunciation, late 15th century. now on display in the exhibition.

More information at www.glasgowmuseums.com/italianart