Hairiness as a sign: art and society in the 19th century

In the 19th century, hair and body hair became true social codes. They reflected the values of the era, the distinctions between the sexes, and the new norms imposed on the body. Let us join the artists' studios and, through their gaze, dive into a period that made hair and body hair the mirror of its social obsessions and intimate upheavals. From the self-portraits of Gustave Courbet to official portraits, let us linger on that chin hair, which became the emblem of masculine power and respectability. Let us question the representation of the female body. Why did the presence or absence of body hair in the nudes of Édouard Manet or Pierre-Auguste Renoir cause a scandal? Let us address the almost mystical fascination of the Pre-Raphaelites for abundant hair, before exploring the fetishism of hair in the Symbolist movement. Finally, let us analyze how art used the textures of hair and body hair to represent savagery, animality, or even otherness. This exhibition takes place as part of the "A REBROUSSE-POIL" program offered in Trois-Ponts and Stavelot from August 30 to December 1, 2026. CONSULT the full program Via the following link www.ccstp.be/brochures-documents/ In paper version in our cultural venues in Trois-Ponts and Stavelot Lundi September 14, 2026 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Where: Espace culturel de Trois-Ponts, rue Traverse 9, 4980 Trois-Ponts Paf : 10 € I 5€ ILLEPS Vielsalm I Free - 18 years old I By reservation Info: 080 29 024 60 or 0471 22 68 83 I edith@ccstp.be I Online ticketing www.ccstp.be HAIR CODE OF THE DAY: 19th-century hairstyles and costumes recommended. As part of the "Art for All" cycle BY & WITH: Emmanuel GRÉGOIRE, Art historian, guide, lecturer & professor (IMEP)