Documentary traces the myth of the femme fatale from art history to feminist reappropriation
A documentary explores the enduring myth of the femme fatale, a fantasy born from the male imagination that has pervaded figurative painting for centuries. The film traces her appearances from Gustave Moreau and Franz von Stuck to the Pre-Raphaelites, often depicted nude with sensual hair, embodied by Salomé, nymphs, and sirens. However, the documentary takes a refreshing turn with the rise of feminist movements, from the suffragettes to #MeToo. Female artists like Ulrike Rosenbach, Evelyne Axell, and Regina Götz reclaim their bodies and images, transforming the cliché with humor and provocation.
Key facts
- The documentary examines the femme fatale as a male-constructed fantasy in figurative painting.
- Artists featured include Gustave Moreau, Franz von Stuck, and the Pre-Raphaelites.
- Common depictions include Salomé, nymphs, and sirens, often nude with sensual hair.
- The film shifts focus to feminist reappropriation from the suffragette era to #MeToo.
- Female artists Ulrike Rosenbach, Evelyne Axell, and Regina Götz are highlighted.
- These artists use humor and provocation to reclaim the female body and image.
- The article was published in L'ŒIL n°795 on May 1, 2026.
- The documentary is only accessible to subscribers.
Entities
Artists
- Gustave Moreau
- Franz von Stuck
- Ulrike Rosenbach
- Evelyne Axell
- Regina Götz
Institutions
- L'ŒIL