Lovers’ parting is favourite artwork

Published on Sunday 12 February 2012 00:00

A PAINTING of Romeo and Juliet has been voted the most romantic work of art on display in the UK.

The vote, conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Art Fund prior to Valentine’s Day, found 71 per cent of people thought Frank Bernard Dicksee’s depiction of the couple on display at Southampton City Art Gallery was the most romantic work of art on show in UK museums and galleries.

The scene is the parting of Romeo and Juliet after their wedding night and the last time they will see each other alive.

Second in the poll, which surveyed 2,030 adults online between 30 January and 1 February, is Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss, currently on display at Turner Contemporary in Margate, Kent, with 68 per cent of the vote.

It depicts adulterous lovers Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Rimini, who were killed by Francesca’s outraged husband.

William Hogarth’s sensual Before And After at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, was third in the list, with 49 per cent.

Other works in the Art Fund’s poll include Nicolas Poussin’s Rinaldo And Armida; Jean-Honore Fragonard’s The Swing and Sandro Botticelli’s Venus And Mars.

Dr Stephen Deuchar, the director of the Art Fund, which helps UK museums and galleries to buy, show and share art, said: “This is a timely reminder of the power of art to touch the heart as well as the eye, and the top ten also shows what riches we have in UK museums and galleries.

“With the success of the National Art Pass and continued support of our 90,000 members, the Art Fund can continue helping museums across the country to buy, show and share great works of art for the enjoyment of everyone.”

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