New Book Reveals Lavinia Fontana's Pioneering Erotic Art
The recently published book 'Lavinia Fontana: Erotic Paintings' by Italian academic Enrico Maria dal Pozzolo, released by Yale University Press and researched by Cristina Farnetti, delves into Lavinia Fontana's contributions to erotic art during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Dal Pozzolo's research, which began with a 2007 discovery of a painting featuring Mars and Venus, showcases Fontana's audacity in portraying the female figure. Likely commissioned by Jacopo Boncompagni, Fontana emerged as one of the earliest professional female artists in Europe, creating works for patrons across Bologna and Rome. Additionally, dal Pozzolo uncovered another erotic piece in a private collection, leading to a revised edition of his 2019 work, 'An Erotic Apex of Lavinia Fontana', which emphasizes Fontana's impact on artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi.
Key facts
- Enrico Maria dal Pozzolo has authored a new book on Lavinia Fontana's erotic art.
- The book is titled 'Lavinia Fontana: Erotic Paintings' and published by Yale University Press.
- The book presents an unprecedented study of Fontana's engagement with sensuality, power, and patronage.
- In 2007, dal Pozzolo discovered a large canvas by Fontana in the Palacio de Liria in Madrid depicting Mars caressing Venus's bottom.
- The painting was likely commissioned by Jacopo Boncompagni, son of Pope Gregory XIII.
- Fontana was one of Europe's first professional women artists and worked on commission.
- By the 1590s, Fontana was in demand in Bologna as an inventor of erotic subjects.
- A new unpublished erotic work by Fontana, on a slate panel, was seen by dal Pozzolo in a private collection.
- The new work depicts three nude women, clearly portraits, without precedent.
- The second edition of dal Pozzolo's book includes this painting and other unpublished works.
- Fontana's legacy influenced Artemisia Gentileschi, whom she likely knew personally.
Entities
Artists
- Lavinia Fontana
- Enrico Maria dal Pozzolo
- Cristina Farnetti
- Antonio Canova
- Peter Paul Rubens
- Artemisia Gentileschi
- Caravaggio
- Annibale Carracci
Institutions
- Yale University Press
- Palacio de Liria
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Bologna
- Italy
- Rome
- Madrid
- Spain