The thirteen life-size figures painted by Francisco de Zurbarán (1598–1664), a master of the Spanish Golden Age of art. The paintings were bought by Bishop Trevor in 1756 and have hung in the Long Dining Room at Auckland Castle ever since. It is one of the largest collections of Zurbaráns in the world and tells the Old Testament story of the blessings of Jacob.

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe

In the Bishop Trevor Gallery within the castle there is an art exhibition (in collaboration with the National Gallery) entitled Sin: The Art of Transgression. This display includes Youth by Ron Mueck (right)