Sex, Symbolists and the Greek Body

The Symbolist movement of the late 19th century was inspired by ancient Greek art and mythology, particularly its emphasis on sexuality. Artists used classical themes to express their dreams, ideas, and anxieties, often depicting the sexual unconscious in innovative ways. They re-invented Greek statuary and transposed it to new and unwonted contexts, making the Greek body an object of beauty, desire, fear, and horror.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Symbolist movement, a brief but influential artistic movement at the end of the 19th century, captivated artists with its fascination with ancient Greek art and myth. This fascination was particularly intense in its exploration of the erotic, which played a central role in Symbolist art. During this period, artists sought to delve into the unconscious mind, aiming to uncover the secrets of human nature through their symbolic creations. However, their greatest interest and fear lay in the realm of human sexuality. Building upon the traditions of Academic neoclassicism, Symbolist artists infused their work with a renewed zeal, turning back to Greek art and myth for inspiration.

The classical legacy provided a fertile ground for artists to express their dreams, ideas, and revelries. It also served as a vehicle for them to confront their anxieties, particularly the frightening specter of the sexual unconscious. The Symbolists embraced this aspect of human nature, employing it in their painting, drawing, and sculpture to create novel and unprecedented works.

One of the key ways in which the Symbolists re-invented Greek statuary was by transposing it to new and unwonted contexts. They saw the Greek body, whether it be female, male, androgyne, or sexual other, as a subject of beauty, desire, fear, and even horror. They explored the complexities of human sexuality, challenging societal norms and taboos.

The Symbolists' fascination with Greek art and myth extended beyond the realm of the physical body. They also sought to capture the essence of Greek mythological landscapes, using them as a backdrop for their symbolic creations. They reimagined these landscapes as the imaginary inner worlds of artists, mapping their dreams, desires, and fears onto the mythical terrain.

In their painting, the Symbolists employed vivid colors and intricate details to create a sense of realism and depth. They often depicted mythological figures in surreal and dreamlike settings, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Their use of symbolism and metaphor allowed them to convey complex emotions and ideas in a visually striking manner.

In their drawing and sculpture, the Symbolists also pushed the boundaries of traditional techniques. They experimented with new materials and forms, creating works that were both visually stunning and conceptually rich. They used the Greek body as a subject of exploration, exploring its contours, textures, and symbolism.

The Symbolist movement had a significant impact on the art world, inspiring subsequent artistic movements such as Art Nouveau and Surrealism. It challenged the conventions.

In conclusion, this book explores the Symbolist movement's fascination with ancient Greek art and myth, highlighting its intense exploration of the erotic. Through their symbolic art, artists sought to delve into the unconscious mind, unearthing the secrets of human nature and confronting their fears and desires. The Symbolists re-invented Greek statuary, transposing it to new and unwonted contexts, and using the Greek body as a subject of exploration. Their use of symbolism and metaphor allowed them to convey complex emotions and ideas in visually striking manners, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350194564