An exhibition of the paintings of the late Richard Hamilton called 'The Late Works' is currently open at The National Gallery and is due to run until January 13th.
Hamilton was well known (as opposed to famous) for his everyday scenes invariably featuring naked women.
One of his works depicts the Annunciation scene and is known as 'The passage of the angel to the virgin'.
It is a perversion of the Fra Angelico painting of this holy scene but, Hamilton's version shows the Mother of God naked.
The Christian Faith is often used as a soft target for playwrights and artists (and galleries) who, in creating shock waves also enhance the value of their work and gain valuable publicity.
I am weary of stating that they would not dare to undertake a comparable project featuring the mother of the prophet or a venerable Sikh leader. But, it's true; these people are gutless and one can only pray for their conversion or redemption.
But - we can also complain.
You may reach The National Gallery here.......nicholas.penny@nationalgallery.co.uk
and the group who are campaigning for this painting to be removed are known as Friends of Our Lady (I know them not but they have suggested an email format that is conveniently cut and pasteable). I have amended it slightly as I do not think that over the top 'outrage' type comments receive attention necessarily.
Dr Nicholas Penny is the Gallery Director
Here it is:
Dear Dr Penny,
I would like to protest against the exhibition 'The Late Works'
of Richard Hamilton. I am specifically protesting against the painting 'The passage of the angel to the virgin'.
This painting distorts, in an unimaginable way, the sacred scene of The Annunciation as painted by Fra
Angelico.
To most Christians it is a blasphemy against the Mother of God.
It mocks and belittles my Christian religious beliefs, as well as the Christian
roots of this country.
I would ask that this painting be removed immediately from the exposition.
And I will do my utmost to ask as many people as possible to send in
their protests too.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Hamilton was well known (as opposed to famous) for his everyday scenes invariably featuring naked women.
 |
| This is the Fra Angelico version |
One of his works depicts the Annunciation scene and is known as 'The passage of the angel to the virgin'.
It is a perversion of the Fra Angelico painting of this holy scene but, Hamilton's version shows the Mother of God naked.
The Christian Faith is often used as a soft target for playwrights and artists (and galleries) who, in creating shock waves also enhance the value of their work and gain valuable publicity.
I am weary of stating that they would not dare to undertake a comparable project featuring the mother of the prophet or a venerable Sikh leader. But, it's true; these people are gutless and one can only pray for their conversion or redemption.
But - we can also complain.
You may reach The National Gallery here.......nicholas.penny@nationalgallery.co.uk
and the group who are campaigning for this painting to be removed are known as Friends of Our Lady (I know them not but they have suggested an email format that is conveniently cut and pasteable). I have amended it slightly as I do not think that over the top 'outrage' type comments receive attention necessarily.
Dr Nicholas Penny is the Gallery Director
Here it is:
Dear Dr Penny,
I would like to protest against the exhibition 'The Late Works'
of Richard Hamilton. I am specifically protesting against the painting 'The passage of the angel to the virgin'.
This painting distorts, in an unimaginable way, the sacred scene of The Annunciation as painted by Fra
Angelico.
To most Christians it is a blasphemy against the Mother of God.
It mocks and belittles my Christian religious beliefs, as well as the Christian
roots of this country.
I would ask that this painting be removed immediately from the exposition.
And I will do my utmost to ask as many people as possible to send in
their protests too.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Done!
ReplyDeleteSandy.