The London exhibition “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” showcases the lesser-known illustration talent of Victor Hugo. It includes around 70 drawings created mainly during his exile on Guernsey and highlights the synergy between his writing and art. The exhibition runs until 29 June.
Victor Hugo, renowned for his novels “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables”, also excelled in illustration, as highlighted in the new exhibition “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. The exhibition opened recently, honouring Hugo’s artistic passion, 140 years after his death.
The exhibition notes reflect that while Hugo was a prominent figure in 19th-century France, he found solace in drawing. His ink and wash creations feature imaginative castles, fantastical creatures, and seascapes, embodying a poetic quality akin to his literary works. His drawings notably inspired the Romantic, Symbolist, and Surrealist artists, with Vincent van Gogh referring to them as “astonishing things”.
Originally, Hugo shared his illustrations only with close friends but ensured their preservation by donating them to France’s national library. The current exhibition showcases around 70 of Hugo’s pieces, which have rarely been on display and were last shown in the UK over half a century ago. Most of these drawings were created during his exile on Guernsey between 1850 and 1870.
Highlighting the depth of Hugo’s artistic journey, the exhibition progresses from early caricatures to bold landscapes and abstract explorations. His literary themes of social issues are mirrored in some works, while others, such as the enigmatic “Mushroom”, present a more abstract vision. The political aspects of his life are tangible in pieces like “Ecce Lex”, depicting a hanged figure.
The exhibition runs until 29 June, offering a rare glimpse into Hugo’s lesser-known creative side.
The exhibition “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” reveals the duality of Victor Hugo as both a literary giant and a passionate illustrator. By showcasing his drawings, it highlights his imaginative vision and the profound connection between his artistic and literary expressions. Open until 29 June, this event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate another facet of Hugo’s legacy.
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