Religious hyper-realism

Washington, D.C. - An extraordinary exhibit of religious artwork will be at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.D. Included will be eleven paintings by Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Zurbaran and others contrasted with 17th century hyper-realistic wooden sculptures in the exhibit, "The Sacred Made Real."

The collection of Spanish sacred art took Xavier Bray of London's National Gallery, who coordinated the exhibit, several years to negotiate the details with the churches and monasteries who lent the precious works for this special exhibition. "It's realism that goes further than realism," Bray said of the show.

The Roman Catholic art encompasses imagery of the passion of Christ, the Immaculate Conception and depictions of saints. The rare exhibit remain on view during Holy Week and will run through the end of May.