ADELE WATSON (1873-1947)
Theosophy Mountain
1931
Oil on canvas
39 x 49 inches
MA SHOUZHEN (1548–1604)
Bamboo Hanging Scroll
Ink on paper
47 5/8 x 20 1/16 inches
Libertines
For many artists, freedom of expression is also associated with a personal freedom to pursue erotic pleasures. Born in the mid-1500s, Ma Shouzhen was an elite courtesan in the entertainment district in Nanjing, China. She was permitted to own property and was educated in painting, poetry and music. Adele Watson, a member of a hedonistic philosophical movement called Theosophy, is best known for her anthropomorphic and sexually laden landscape paintings.