Gender and the Body: Kept Behind Curtains, The Story of the Nude

Presented by Leslie Primo

The nude is still seen in our modern age, and indeed has been seen for quite some time as the pinnacle of creative artistic perfection but, throughout the course of art history the notion of the perfect body and consequently gender has been constantly reshaped and redefined. This lecture will look at the continuing fascination with representation of the body in sculpture and in painting across the ages. This span of time will encompass iconic works within this lecture by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Bernini, Degas, Renoir and Velazquez, to name but a few.

Leslie Primo holds a BA in Art History and an MA in Renaissance Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London. He gives lectures at the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and the City Literary Institute and has presented a series of talks at the National Maritime Museum and the Courtauld Institute. His book, The Foreigners that Invented British Art: From Renaissance to Enlightenment will be published by Thames and Hudson in Spring 2023.

About ADFAS Shoalhaven

ADFAS Shoalhaven promotes interest in the study of decorative and fine arts by offering high quality monthly lectures on a wide range of subjects including art, history, gardening, design, and architecture.

The monthly meetings are a wonderful and informal way to make friends and to get to know others in the community. Visit our website for information on membership. Visitors are always welcome. Doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm start.