There is a common idea that art galleries are innately romantic. This notion is not surprising considering the numerous works of art around the world that are based on themes of love. Some of these works include the pop art sculpture LOVE by Robert Indiana installed in New York, Tokyo, Vancouver and other places worldwide; Picasso’s famous paintings of his lovers including Dora Maar au Chat, a portrait of his Croatian mistress; and the marble sculpture The Kiss by French artist Auguste Rodin.
Fortunately one does not have to travel across the globe to experience such love-based art. The AGO will be opening an exhibition on Valentine’s Day where strong themes of love are present. Holman Hunt and the Pre-Raphaelites were fascinated with love and relationships and, like Picasso, used muses and lovers as the subjects of many works. Two portraits in the exhibition are detailed sketches of Hunt’s lovers, the Waugh sisters, while love is also explored in a painting of young lovers eloping, seemingly escaping from the world around them. In one of Hunt’s most famous paintings, Isabella and the Pot of Basil, obsessive love is a motive for Isabella.
Sin and Salvation: Holman Hunt and the Pre-Raphaelite Vision is a great example of love influencing works of art but this theme is not limited to this exhibition only. I would argue that there are themes of love in almost every work of art, including one many Torontonians have already fallen in love with, the new AGO. Along with other galleries across the world, the AGO houses some of the greatest love stories of all time, and effectively provides a venue for romance—I cannot think of a better place to spend Valentine’s Day.
The AGO will be encouraging love and romance up to and on February 14 with Naughty Love Tours, discounts at Shop AGO, Love Potion cocktails and a special prix fixe menu served at FRANK.
For more information visit: http://www.ago.net/valentines-day-2009