To use the nude body in ways never allowed before in history, and yet to accomplish this without seeming either prudish or pornographic, was something the greater of these artists were able to achieve. These 19th century artists were pushing boundaries and often creating great art.
Although these better paintings fit perfectly into the theme of Victorian nudity, they are multi-faceted in their themes and impact. What delighted me with this show, is that so many of the paintings on exhibit are great and powerful masterpieces charged with the energy of the passionate and masterful artists of that time who were taking risks. Yes, there was trivial and overtly erotic art being produced, and some is displayed playfully to broaden the historical theme that the show adheres to, but what era doesn't produce minor works? The text for the paintings (and in the beautiful catalogue) explains, with respect, what the artists of that era were trying to do. But the Brooklyn exhibit organized by Tate Britain gives serious insight into the Victorian controversy of nudity and sexuality. They justify the fact that they have even allowed themselves to offer the exhibit on the grounds that it deserves "some" historical representation, and then they poke fun of the work in the usual manner, calling the pieces trite but titillating, or academically impressive (said derisively) but saccharine and inane. Most museums that dare to present 19 th century Victorian and Academic art have accompanying text that is tongue-in-cheek or satirically critical of the work. What surprised me was the unbiased historical approach to the theme of the show.
The show opened September 6 th (2002) and will run through January 5 th (2003). I was completely delighted and taken by surprise when I visited the current show "Exposed: The Victorian Nude," at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
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