Albert Moore: Of Beauty and Aesthetics, York Art Gallery

7 April 2017 – 1 October 2017

This is the first retrospective of the York-born artist in more than 100 years.

Albert Moore was born in York in 1841, the fourteenth child of portrait painter William Moore and his second wife Elizabeth. William's creative influence certainly had an effect on his family, with several of his boys going on to become artists – Albert included.

While John followed in his father's footsteps as a painter of portraits and Henry became fascinated with the sea, Albert was drawn to the Aesthetic movement which championed the creation of 'art for art's sake'.

Prioritising mood, colour harmony and beauty of form over subject matter, Albert Moore's work demonstrated a highly modern way of thinking. His most successful paintings featured incredibly beautiful languorous women set against backgrounds of luxury and decadence.

Featuring more than 20 paintings and watercolours, this exhibition draws on new research to explore the full range and breadth of Moore’s creativity – from his youthful Pre-Raphaelite style to the classical approach he demonstrated as a mature artist.

It also celebrates his family's connection to the local area, showcasing seascapes, landscapes and views of York that were painted by his father and brothers.