Maggie Ray: Post #1

In class, we have discussed women's role in Pre-Raphaelite paintings concerning their desirability and sexuality. Considering the Pre-Raphaelites were known to create works challenging social norms, racy topics such as prostitution and infidelity became the central focus. I found particularly interesting the constant female character presentation to be either in a sexual context, or in a related narrative concerning sexuality or sexual choices. A large portion of the paintings we have discussed contain a woman, a focus on her, and a narrative around her desires, seductive nature, and loss of purity. 

Rossetti’s multiple female portraits are a strong example of the elements listed, in particular the Blue Bower (pictured above, left). In addition to several other pieces, there is a depiction of a hyper sexualized woman. Her full red lips, complexion, and outward gaze create a sensual quality to her character. Furthermore, the fullness of her figure and the fur of her clothing creates the image of a lustful woman. 

Millais’ Order of Release 1746 (pictured below, right) also displays this fixation with a woman’s presence relying on sexuality. A major part of this narrative is the supposition that the wife had to sacrifice her virtue to obtain the papers for her husband's release from prison. Visually and narratively, the focus is the woman where the role she plays is of a victim of sexual exploitation. 

I found this similar to the way that women are still sexualized today. This is apparent in the entertainment industry and in advertisements everywhere. Women are present in commercials and television shows to act as an object of sexual desire for men. Additionally, I plan on further exploring this as a topic for my final paper.