Delaware Art Museum to Present First Major U.S. Exhibition of Simeon Solomon

The Delaware Art Museum has announced an upcoming exhibition titled 'Simeon Solomon: Queer and Jewish in Victorian London', marking the first comprehensive U.S. museum show dedicated to the British artist Simeon Solomon (1840–1905). Solomon was the only Jewish artist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, and his work explored themes of faith and same-sex desire. He gained critical acclaim for his Judaic subjects and exhibited at prestigious venues across England. However, after arrests for homosexual crimes in 1873, he was ostracized by the art establishment. Despite living precariously for his remaining three decades, he remained prolific. His legacy was overshadowed by homophobia and antisemitism, leading to his erasure from art history. The exhibition will bring together over 180 works, including oil paintings, watercolors, and drawings, offering a comprehensive look at his oeuvre. The show is scheduled to open at the Delaware Art Museum, with exact dates to be announced.