The latest Auckland Project exhibition shows off ageless paintings from the past alongside leading contemporary artwork.
Displayed at the Bishop Trevor gallery in Auckland Castle the exhibition has been assembled with the National Gallery in London.
The exhibition aims to prompt visitors to consider what they think 'sin' means.
The display, titled 'Sin: The Art of Transgression', includes work by master painters Rembrandt and Lucas Cranach.
Cranach's 'Venus and Cupid', which he painted in 1529, is still in excellent condition despite being hundreds of years old.
Both artists work is being shown alongside current creators like the UK's own Tracey Emin.
She is best known for her confessional art including drawing, painting, sculpture, film and photography.
She first rose to prominence in the 1980s and by 2011 she was appointed Professor of Drawing at the Royal Academy.
Her neon artwork 'It was just a kiss' will be displayed at the exhibition.
Another standout is work by the internationally renowned Australian sculptor Ron Mueck.
He grew up surrounded by puppetry and doll-making through the family business.
He is best known for his hyperrealistic artwork, spending a year on each sculpture.
Charlotte Grobler, Auckland Castle's curator, said: "The Auckland Project is quickly developing a reputation for bringing nationallyand internationally renowned works of art to Bishop Auckland.
"Last year's display in the Spanish Gallery featuring Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross attracted thousandsof people, and this summer we are thrilled to be working with the National Gallery.
"It is another landmark moment for the town."
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Dr Joost Joustra, the National Gallery's curator, added: "Sin in many ways defines humankind and therefore defines the art that humans create.
"Sin has been the subject of countless works of art that have been made for centuries across the world.
"Just think of the many depictions of Adam and Eve eating forbidden fruit, perhaps the most famous biblical story of them all.
"The term is also used more generally for something that is desired precisely because it is not allowed.
"Many pictures show us 'forbidden fruit' without any trace of the fruit mentioned in the Bible."
The exhibition will be in place until October 1st at Auckland Castle.
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