Gauguin’s nude is suspended between dreams and reality— just like his imperialistic vision of Tahiti.
A-Level: 19th-century mythological and literary works
Inspired by a campaign to raise the age of consent, Watts harked back to the Athenian version of the Hunger Games.
George Frederic Watts, The Minotaur
Removing nearly all references to myth, Leighton focuses on the beauty of the nude and harmonious colors.
Sir Frederic Leighton, Bath of Psyche
Cursed by a spell that will kill her if she leaves her castle, this romantic redhead takes a fatal boat ride.
John William Waterhouse, The Lady of Shalott
Love conquers all for the legendary King Cophetua who finds love outside of his social sphere.
Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, King Cophetua and ...
This mythological goddess tasted the forbidden fruit and had to face the consequences; the artist could relate.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Proserpine
A moral quandary: to save his life, Claudio asks his sister Isabella for the one thing she cannot give.
William Holman Hunt, Claudio and Isabella
The botanical accuracy of this painting is impressive, but its production wasn’t without its challenges for Millais.