The power of the Femme Fetale in Pre-Raphaelite art

The femme fetale was an important character in the art of both generations of the pre-raphealites. From Dante Gabriel Rosetti's deep romance with his muses, to Lord Frederic Leightons use of the strong woman as a central character, to William Etty claiming he had a deep desire to paint God's greatest creation - woman. The female character was brought to the front as a powerful symbol of man's desire.

As Lucinda deepens her practice in painting the female form, she hopes to channel this pre-raphaelite aesthetic of the bold femme fetale.

 J W Waterhouse beautifully captures the Greek god of wind, Boreas, pulling through the folds of the fabric in this painting.

 A Roman lady by Lord Frederic Leighton, who like Lucinda, classically trained in Italy

 Another beautiful painting by Lord  Leighton

 Love's Shadow by Frederick Sandys, and below the original study.

A seducing painting toying with the viewer.

 

Dante Gabriel Rosetti's painting of Lady Lillith, the powerful seductress. Originally modeled on his mistress Fanny Cornforth.

The Deluge by William Etty. A bold study of the female form presented in a beautiful curved composition romanticises this disastrous scene.