Although fewer than 20 of the artist's works are known and much of his life remains something of a mystery, the paintings by Bermejo define him as a technically expert and visionary master.
With this exhibition of seven of his rare works, six of which have never been seen in the UK, Bermejo reveals that he drew inspiration from the painting of the Netherlands, using illusionistic effects and a rich color palette, thus becoming one of the greatest artists of the Spanish Renaissance .
At the heart of the exhibition is Saint Michael Triumphs over the devil, considered by many to be Britain's most important Spanish painting. Its technical prowess and excellent state of preservation are even more evident following its recent conservation treatment.
This is a unique opportunity to see Bermejo's first documented painting, 'San Michele', together with his latest 'Desplà Pietà' (1490), recently restored from Barcelona Cathedral, which has never been loaned outside Spain until now. Also on display is Bermejo's only other signed masterpiece, the “Triptych of the Virgin of Montserrat” (probably 1470-75) from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Acqui Terme, Alessandria (Italy).
Top image: Detail from Bartolomé Bermejo, “St. Michael triumphs over the devil” 1468
