Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is known to house one of Europe’s greatest art collections. Situated on Argyle Street and joined to Kelvingrove Park, the museum boasts a wide art collection with works ranging from French Impressionism to the designs created by Glasgow-based artist and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Adding to the museum’s rich collection, the famed painting by Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dalí, Christ of Saint John, sits in its own dedicated room within the gallery section of the building. The work is one of the museum’s prized possessions, and a well-known piece of work by the artist that depicts Jesus looking down at fishermen from the cross. Not only is the painting one of Dalí’s most prominent works, it also deviates considerably from his typical work. Depicting Jesus looking down at fishermen from the cross, it doesn’t feature the usual unconventional composition choices seen in his work. What’s striking about this depiction of Jesus, the painting is missing common characteristics often seen; there is no sign of blood, nails, or the crown of thorns. Additionally, the painting offers an angle not often viewed in paintings depicting crucifixion, almost from above.
Painted in 1951, the Christ of Saint John was purchased by Glasgow Museums a year later for £8500. Although a celebrated possession of the museum nowadays, the purchase of the work at the time garnered protests and petition for its removal by students from Glasgow School of Art, who argued the space should be used to show local artists. Additionally, the painting has been attacked twice by individuals attempting to damage it for reasons unknown.
The painting has been on display since its purchase, excluding periods of loaning to other institutions. One of the museum’s most prized possessions, it is the museum’s only Dalí piece. I’d argue this is a benefit, the Christ of Saint John is an incredibly valued piece, the Spanish government has even offered the museum £80 million for its return. Rather than focusing on having a collection that prioritises abundance over information, in this case, the gallery space is set up excellently for the display, and allows visitors to get an in-depth understanding of the planning process that went into creating the work. Inside a semi-darkened room with spotlights lit in a manner similar to the painting’s light and shadows. Visitors can follow the work put into the painting, including hiring a stuntman to be suspended to allow for a better view of the body’s proportions. The Christ of Saint John is accompanied by several information panels about Dalí, showing its contrast to his other famed work such as the Persistence of Memory.
The Christ of Saint John is certainly one of the museum’s proudest objects. Although given the encyclopaedic collection that spans multiple topics and disciplines, you’re bound to find at least one exhibit that interests you. Other renowned objects in the collection include a fully restored Spitfire plane which arrived in the collection in 1947 and is now suspended from the ceiling in the main hall of gallery one. In a similar fashion, the Spitfire LA hangs above a number of taxidermy specimens that range from Sir Roger the Elephant, who has been in the museum since 1900 to a small river otter. You can find this eclectic mix throughout different parts of the museum. Under the easily identifiable hanging heads created by Sophie Cave, you find a mix of Chinese pottery and white stone figureheads together.
Originally an 18th century mansion before its development, the building was designed in Spanish Baroque style and built following the traditional Glaswegian red sandstone seen throughout the city. The building is a beautiful site for those interested in architecture, with hidden details throughout its exterior. Although spontaneous museum visits are not yet a thing in Scotland, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is free to visit provided you make a booking 24 hours in advance.
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Sarah is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, but has lived in Scotland for most of her life. A history graduate from the University of Aberdeen, she is currently completing the final stages of her Master’s degree in Museum Studies at the University of Glasgow. Find her on Twitter.