The sting of Passion

An exhibition of jewellery made in response to Manchester Art Gallery’s collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.
The title of this exhibition, The Sting of Passion, is taken from a line in a poem, which the Greek poet, Sappho wrote as a hymn to Aphrodite. A depiction of Sappho is included in this publication.

I have always felt a natural empathy with the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In them I can see a potent and enigmatic quality that - despite the superficial appearance of warmth, serenity and beauty - hide profane and often sinister meanings. Many Pre-Raphaelite and Late Victorian paintings were made in response to a poem or a piece of historical literature, often belonging to medieval mythology. Likewise, the jewellery made for each painting in The Sting, is a contemporary interpretation of something from the past.

The twelve paintings selected for The Sting have a common theme. They are not just aesthetically pleasing and beautifully painted; they all depict women in various guises. Be it the woman portrayed as the Temptress, Seductress, Femme Fatale or purely as an icon of beauty, there can be no doubt - these women are dangerous. They appear to have a hypnotic power over man, which serves to highlight and expose his vulnerability.

Human weakness is at the heart of these tales. Love can be a fatal drug. These women are not to be messed with!

Jo Bloxham
Curator