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Spanish art of the Late Middle Ages (13th to 15th centuries) formed an active part of the complex and multi-faceted construction of the image of Jewish people at that time. The exhibition, with unique works that show the image of Jews and medieval inter-religious relations, can be seen at the Prado Museum from 10 October to 14 January.

Curated by Joan Molina Figueras, Head of the Department of Spanish Gothic Painting at the Prado Museum, the exhibition presents a series of absolutely unique works and programmes, which reflect the particular circumstances that determined the inter-religious relations of Medieval Spain between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the dramatic figurative and visual reality but it also aims to answer questions such as the role of the images in the conflict between Christians, Jews and Jews who converted to Christianity. How can we measure the products created in an atmosphere of co-existence and collaboration? Questions such as the extent to which the images contributed to the medieval violence between the Jewish Quarters on the Peninsula and to what point they contributed to the stigmatisation of the Jews and the mistrust towards the Jews who converted to Christianity.  The exhibition will analyse the active role that images played in this conflict and will discuss their power in the Middle Ages.

Visitors will be able to see an important set of works related to all of these issues and questions. Images related to the controversy that affected Jews who converted to Christianity. Works of art designed to stimulate conversion or to justify the sincere decision of these new Christians.  Other original works intended to exalt and legitimise the Royal Inquisition, founded in 1479 to pursue crypto-Jews, can also be seen.

The exhibition also includes other works related to more general issues, such as popular images intended to promote the Eucharist or devotion to the Passion of Christ and others which refer to the debate between the Old and the New Law.

Image Credit:

Act of faith presided by Santo Domingo de Guzmán Pedro Berruguete. Prado National Museum