Henry Fuseli

Three women at a curtained window

Three women at a curtained window by Henry Fuseli

Artwork Detail

It has been suggested that these three courtesans were Angela, Leonora and Nannina, who lived in the Palazzo Bolognetti, Rome. The artist was particularly enamoured of the latter during his time there. One writer described their poses and elaborate coiffures as creating an aura of sexual menace, further heightened by the central figure’s exposed breasts. Her bold gesture drawing back the curtains makes her appear as if she is coming on stage, whereas the figure in the foreground lifts up drapery as if to cover her.

Title
Three women at a curtained window
Artist/creator
Henry Fuseli
Production date
1779
Medium
pencil and brown wash
Dimensions
165 x 167 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 1965
Accession no
1965/51
Copyright
No known copyright restrictions
Department
International Art
Display status
Not on display

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