A major work has now gone on display in the Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland. This new acquisition is a recently rediscovered 16th-century panel by influential Italian Renaissance artist, Paolo da San Leocadio (1447–c.1520) – known in Spain as ‘Paolo’ or ‘Pablo de San Leocadio’.
The painting depicts The Marriage of the Virgin and has been identified as part of the main altarpiece created for the Church of Santa María de Castellón in the province of Valencia in 1492. The discovery is particularly significant as the Museo del Prado has recently acquired a painting of The Agony in the Garden, also by San Leocadio and from the same altarpiece.
Born in northern Italy, San Leocadio travelled to Valencia in 1472 under the patronage of Cardinal Alejandro Borja — later Pope Alexander VI — and became a major influence on Spanish art, introducing the styles and techniques of the Italian Renaissance to Spain.
Morlin Ellis, Research Curator at the Spanish Gallery, said: “The addition to the Spanish Gallery of this painting of The Marriage of the Virgin by one of the most important artists working in Spain in the late 15th century is particularly exciting. Not only is it a beautiful work of art but its identification with the same important altarpiece as a work recently acquired by the Prado places the Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland alongside one of the greatest art collections in the world.
“We are delighted that visitors to Bishop Auckland will now be able to discover this exceptional work and the beginnings of the Renaissance in Spain for themselves.”
The Spanish Gallery—which is Arts Council England accredited— is the first and only museum in the UK entirely devoted to the art, history, and culture of Spain. Located in the historic Market Place, it spans four floors and features masterpieces from the Spanish Golden Age, including works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Zurbarán.
The museum first opened to the public in 2021. It was later officially inaugurated in April 2022 by Queen Letizia of Spain and the then-Prince of Wales (now King Charles III).
The gallery is a central part of The Auckland Project, a unique regeneration charity dedicated to building a brighter future for the picturesque market town through art, history, and culture – from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to its surprising ties to the Spanish Golden Age.
Alongside the Spanish Gallery, visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Mining Art Gallery and Faith Museum, along with its extensive gardens and Deer Park.
For more information, visit www.aucklandproject.org.
