Fuseli and the Modern Woman: Fashion, Fantasy, Fetishism ★★★★ The Courtauld | Oct 14, 2022 - Jan 8, 2023


For being intriguing and provocative, Henry Fuseli's life rivals his work. Born in 1741, he was raised to be a protestant clergyman, but he upset his parents' expectations to become an artist. Later as a pillar of the British artistic establishment, he had another side to his character that would have shocked many of his contemporaries. This delightful exhibition that offers a tantalising insight into both the man and his work is divided into three sections: The Medusa of the Hearth, The Other Side of Venus and Dangerous Liaisons. The groupings reveal Fuseli's preoccupation with the female form, his obsession with curious hairstyles and his erotic idiosyncrasies. While these drawings and watercolours may be somewhat transgressive in their subject matter, what is undeniable is the extraordinary quality of Fuseli's draughtsmanship. The stunningly executed pieces demonstrate the self-taught artist's extraordinary skills in all their subtlety and variety. The exhibition, featuring over fifty of Fuseli's works, confirms his artistic importance and offers significant insight into the private life of this libertine and self-proclaimed genius.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Image: Henry Fuseli, Paidoleteira (1821), Hamburg, Private collection of Thomas and Gianna Le Claire

When, Where, Getting there:

Most Popular

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

Knocking on the Wall ★★★★ Finborough Theatre | Oct 31 - Nov 25, 2023

The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Frans Hals ★★★★★ The National Gallery | Until January 21, 2024

Mates in Chelsea ★★★ Royal Court Theatre | Nov 3 - Dec 16, 2023

Burma to Myanmar ★★★★ The British Museum | Nov 2, 2023 - Feb 11, 2024

King Lear ★★★★ Wyndham’s Theatre | Oct 21 - Dec 9, 2023

Discover Liotard & The Lavergne Family Breakfast ★★★★★ The National Gallery | Until March 3, 2024 (Free Entry)

The Mongol Khan ★★★★ London Coliseum | Nov 17 - Dec 2, 2023

Nutcracker ★★★★ Southbank Centre’s Tuff Nutt Jazz Club | Until January 6, 2024

LIZZIE ★★★★ Southwark Playhouse | Oct 26 - Dec 2, 2023

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings