The Victorian Nude: Sexuality, Morality, and Art

Controversy surrounding nudity in art is as strong now as it was during the 19th century. Selected Victorian paintings of the nude are still hidden from public view. In this work, the author unravels the background to this situation and reveals the paradox of the nude as an object of public moral outrage. The text reveals how images of the nude were used at all levels of Victorian culture, from high-art paintings to photographs and popular entertainments. It questions whether these were a valid form of representation or, in fact, pornography. The nude was considered to be the most prestigious and pure form of art, whilst at the same time was vilified by the state because of its incitement to unregulated sexual activity. The book includes discussion on the work of Lord Leighton, Burne-Jones, Rosetti, Millais, Watts, Waterhouse, Henrietta Rae and Anna Lea Merritt.… (more)