The exhibition “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” opened at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, focusing on the lesser-known illustrative works of the renowned author. Although Hugo is famous for his literary masterpieces like “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables,” his passion for drawing offers a new perspective on his creativity, particularly 140 years posthumously.

This exhibition showcases around 70 drawings illustrating Hugo’s journey as an artist, mainly from the years 1850 to 1870 during his exile in Guernsey. His works include ink washes, graphite, and charcoal, exploring themes from imaginative castles to political commentary. Despite their rare public exhibition, these pieces reflect Hugo’s profound influence on arts, inspiring poets and artists, notably the Surrealists.

The Royal Academy notes that while Hugo’s writings addressed stark realities like social issues and justice, his drawings delve into more abstract concepts, with some, like “Mushroom,” displaying surreal qualities. The themes of law and justice also emerge in works like “Ecce Lex,” featuring morbid imagery related to his political beliefs, merging his literary and artistic legacies.

Overall, this exhibit invites audiences to appreciate the duality of Hugo as both a writer and illustrator, enriching the understanding of his artistic contributions beyond his written word.

Victor Hugo’s exhibition at the Royal Academy highlights his significant yet overshadowed role as an illustrator. By juxtaposing his literary works with his drawings, it illustrates how his artistic expressions reflect both personal and political themes. This unique showcase serves not only to celebrate Hugo’s creativity but also to encourage a deeper appreciation for the connections between his various forms of art.

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Victor Hugo, the celebrated French author of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Les Miserables,” also had a lesser-known talent for illustration, showcased in the new exhibition, “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo.” This exhibition, which opened at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, highlights his passion for drawing, 140 years after his death. The notes indicate that while he was a prominent 19th-century figure, drawing served as his private refuge.

Hugo’s artistic creations, featuring imaginary castles, monsters, and seascapes, are said to be as poetic as his literary works. The Royal Academy states that his drawings inspired various literary movements, including the Romantics and Symbolists, with Vincent van Gogh describing them as “astonishing things.” Despite being shared only with close friends, Hugo ensured the preservation of his works by donating them to France’s national library, but they have rarely been displayed publicly.

The exhibition includes around 70 drawings, primarily created between 1850 and 1870 during Hugo’s exile on Guernsey, where he produced significant literature such as “Les Chatiments” and “Les Miserables.” It charts Hugo’s artistic evolution from caricatures and travel sketches to dramatic landscapes and abstraction experiments.

While Hugo’s writings often tackled social issues, his drawings vary in tone. For example, “Mushroom” features a whimsical giant toadstool, whereas “Ecce Lex” reflects his political sentiments with the portrayal of a hanged man. The exhibition will run until June 29, offering a unique insight into Hugo’s artistic legacy.

The exhibition reveals the multifaceted genius of Victor Hugo beyond his literary fame. It showcases roughly 70 of his rarely seen drawings, illustrating his artistic evolution and political beliefs. Running until June 29, it highlights the intersection of his artistic and literary talents, enhancing the understanding of this iconic figure in both art and literature.

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Victor Hugo, celebrated for his novels like “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables”, also excelled as an illustrator. This lesser-known talent is showcased in a new exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. Titled “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo”, the exhibition highlights his passion for drawing, offering insights into his creative process 140 years posthumously.

The exhibition reveals a different facet of Victor Hugo, celebrating his skills beyond literature. “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” allows visitors to explore Hugo’s artistic legacy and passion for illustration, expanding the understanding of his contributions to the arts.

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Victor Hugo, renowned for his novels “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables”, showcased another talent: drawing. A new exhibition titled “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” opened at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, exploring his passion for illustration. This exhibition highlights Hugo’s artistic expression, 140 years posthumously, revealing a personal side to the famous author known primarily for his literary contributions. According to the exhibition notes, while he was a prominent figure in 19th-century France, drawing was his private refuge.

The Royal Academy of Arts’ exhibit uncovers Victor Hugo’s lesser-known talent for drawing, providing insight into his artistic life beyond literature. It celebrates his dual legacy as both a celebrated author and passionate illustrator, offering a deeper understanding of his personal refuge in art.

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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.

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Victor Hugo, renowned for “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables,” is now being celebrated for his talent as an illustrator in a new exhibition in London. “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” opened at the Royal Academy of Arts, showcasing his passion for drawing, 140 years posthumously. The exhibition highlights how, despite being a leading public figure in 19th century France, Hugo found a personal refuge in his artwork.

The Royal Academy describes Hugo’s drawings as poetic, with his illustrations of castles, monsters, and seascapes mirroring his literary genius. While primarily sharing his works with close friends, he ensured their preservation by donating them to France’s national library. Many of his creations are rarely exhibited, with the last UK showing occurring over 50 years ago.

The exhibition features around 70 pieces, illustrating the connection between Hugo’s visual and literary artistry. Most drawings were completed between 1850 and 1870 during his exile on Guernsey, where he produced significant works like “Les Chatiments” and “Les Miserables.” Visitors are shown Hugo’s evolution from caricatures to abstract landscapes, illustrating his artistic experimentation.

Some pieces delve into the enigmatic, such as “Mushroom,” featuring a giant anthropomorphic toadstool, while others, like “Ecce Lex,” reflect his political views, depicting a hanged man. This unique exhibition runs until 29 June, providing insights into Hugo’s lesser-known creative expressions.

The London exhibition highlights Victor Hugo’s talent in illustration, showcasing his lesser-known works alongside his literary legacy. It reveals the interplay between his artistic and political themes during his time in exile, underscoring his enduring influence on various art forms. The display offers a rare glimpse into Hugo’s personal world, encouraging viewers to appreciate this facet of his creativity.

Original Source: www.manilatimes.net

The post Victor Hugo’s Artistic Legacy Explored in New London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

The exhibition titled “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” opened at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, celebrating Hugo’s lesser-known talent as an illustrator. While widely recognised for his novels like “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables”, this showcase reveals his passion for drawing. This event marks the first major display of Hugo’s illustrations, occurring 140 years after his death, highlighting his artistic legacy beyond literature.

The London exhibition shines a light on Victor Hugo’s talent for illustration, a lesser-known aspect of his artistic career. It presents a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with Hugo’s drawings, enriching the understanding of his contributions to both literature and art.

Original Source: www.elkharttruth.com

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The Royal Academy of Arts in London is currently hosting an exhibition titled “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo.” This exhibition highlights the lesser-known talent of the famous French writer, who is more renowned for his novels like “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables.” It showcases Hugo’s passion for illustration, offering insights into his artistic pursuits 140 years after his passing.

The exhibition reveals Victor Hugo’s multifaceted talent, focusing on his illustration work. It provides a unique perspective on the creative genius of a writer known primarily for his literary contributions. Visitors can explore how Hugo expressed his artistic vision through drawing much later in his life.

Original Source: www.themountaineer.com

The post London Exhibition Highlights Victor Hugo’s Lesser-Known Talent in Drawing first appeared on The London Bell.

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.

Original Source: www.bellevueheraldleader.com

The post Victor Hugo’s Artistic Duality Highlighted in London Exhibition first appeared on The London Bell.

Victor Hugo, known for his novels “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Miserables”, had a lesser-known talent as an illustrator. A new exhibition titled “Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo” has opened at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, showcasing his illustrations. This exhibition highlights Hugo’s passion for drawing, 140 years following his death, bringing attention to his artistic skills beyond writing.

The exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts reveals Victor Hugo’s hidden talent for illustration, showcasing his passion and creativity beyond his renowned literary works. It serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of Hugo’s artistic contributions, enriching the understanding of his legacy.

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