Asylum paintings reveal tortured mind of murderous Victorian artist
Tortured images from the mind of the Victorian artist and brutal murderer Richard Dadd will shed light on the nature of his mental illness in a new London show this weekend.
Dadd, who is one of the most macabre figures in British art history, spent more than 40 years in lunatic asylums after stabbing his father to death. For the remainder of his life the painter believed he was the victim of an ancient Egyptian curse.
Despite his violent and delusional behaviour, Dadd is still regarded as an eminent Victorian talent, with work hanging in Tate Britain. He is particularly celebrated for his paintings of fairies and exotic landscapes.
Now drawings and watercolours that were completed during his time in the Bethlem Royal Hospital - known colloquially as Bedlam - have been lent for display in 'Dreams of Fancy', billed as the most significant exhibition of Dadd's work for several decades...
Read entire article at Observer (UK)
Dadd, who is one of the most macabre figures in British art history, spent more than 40 years in lunatic asylums after stabbing his father to death. For the remainder of his life the painter believed he was the victim of an ancient Egyptian curse.
Despite his violent and delusional behaviour, Dadd is still regarded as an eminent Victorian talent, with work hanging in Tate Britain. He is particularly celebrated for his paintings of fairies and exotic landscapes.
Now drawings and watercolours that were completed during his time in the Bethlem Royal Hospital - known colloquially as Bedlam - have been lent for display in 'Dreams of Fancy', billed as the most significant exhibition of Dadd's work for several decades...