| Byam Shaw, as
he was always known was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1896, &
was part of the original Russell-Cotes collection. Though of a later
generation Shaw was strongly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, as can
be seen from the vivid colouring of this picture. Initially Shaw was
unable to sell the picture, due to its risque nature, & the nudity
of the main figure. To solve this problem, the picture was re-worked,
& Jezebel was clothed. It is not known if it was Russell-Cotes who
asked for these changes, but it must be borne in mind that he had to be
careful not to offend contemporary standards of decency when exhibiting
pictures in the Royal Bath Hotel. |
