THE ART OF SEDUCTION

Seduction has been one of the enduring themes of art since Eve offered Adam an apple.

Courtly love blossomed in manuscripts and miniatures of the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance offered painters an Olympian cast of amorous gods and goddesses. Puritanical Dutch and prudish Victorians tutted over the loose morals of fallen women. Rococo artists revelled in the flirtatious fun of Fêtes Galantes and Belle Époque 'Gay Paree' flaunted the Femme Fatale.

But in our permissive society has the 'Battle of the Sexes' killed the spirit of romance? I do hope not! Join me to celebrate the theme of love and courtship, through paintings from the Age of Chivalry to the Modern Age, in 'The Art of Seduction'.

This lecture was originally written as a special request for St. Valentine's Day but will add some romance to your lecture programme on any day of the year.

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