In a London tube platform near you…

Dominique-Louis-Féréa Papety, The Temptation of Saint Hilarion, 1843-44, oil on canvas.  Wallace Collection, London

Controversial?  Perhaps.  Sexist?  Who cares!  At least people are thinking and talking about the Wallace Collection while riding the tube (beyond Fragonard’s The Swing)!  “Oh honey, you know we’ve lived in London forever and haven’t even bothered to go to the Wallace.  Fancy a visit?”  Yes please!  Ok, the (very small) feminist in me might dislike the idea of the “male gaze” on this nude female figure but honestly, I’m over it.  Saint Hilarion was a “thin and delicate youth of fragile health” according to Saint Jerome so of course he was mortified at the sight of female flesh!  Sex sells and I think the spirit of the Wallace’s ad campaign holds tight.

Happy Friday!  Visit a museum.

Dominique-Louis-Féréa Papety, The Temptation of Saint Hilarion, 1843-44, oil on canvas.  Wallace Collection, London