Victor Hugo’s lesser-known talent for illustration is showcased in the London exhibition “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” at the Royal Academy of Arts. Open until 29 June, it highlights around 70 drawings, tracing his artistic journey and influences, while connecting his illustrations to his literary works.
Victor Hugo, renowned for his literary masterpieces, is also highlighted for his deep passion for illustration in the new London exhibition, “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo,” at the Royal Academy of Arts. This showcase traces his artistic journey 140 years after his death, demonstrating his ability to convey imagination through drawing, in addition to writing.
The exhibition notes reveal that, despite being a major public figure in 19th-century France, Hugo sought refuge in drawing. His artworks, which include ink and wash depictions of castles, monsters, and seascapes, are notably poetic. These illustrations have even inspired various artists, with Vincent van Gogh describing them as “astonishing things.”
Hugo initially shared his drawings only with close friends, even while donating them to France’s national library for future generations. The majority of the 70 exhibited pieces, last displayed in the UK over 50 years ago, were created between 1850 and 1870 during his exile to Guernsey. This period was pivotal for Hugo, as he produced significant works, including “Les Chatiments” and “Les Miserables.”
The exhibition illustrates the evolution of Hugo’s art from caricatures to dramatic landscapes and experiments with abstraction. While his writings addressed real-world issues like social deprivation, some drawings, such as “Mushroom,” exhibit a more enigmatic approach. Yet, political themes are evident in works like “Ecce Lex,” portraying a hanged man.
The exhibition will be on display until 29 June, offering a rare glimpse into Hugo’s lesser-known artistic side.
The exhibition “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” at the Royal Academy of Arts showcases Victor Hugo’s lesser-known talent for illustration, shedding light on his artistic evolution and the interplay with his literary works. The display features about 70 drawings, reflecting his imaginative and political influences, which are rarely seen in public. This event celebrates Hugo’s duality as a writer and an artist, making a significant contribution to understanding his legacy in both literature and visual arts.
Original Source: thesun.my