Spirit Paintings

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Here's a fascinating piece on a Victorian artist who may have been the first abstract painter. Georgiana Houghton is almost unknown today, but in her time she was a sensation because she claimed to be producing new work by famous dead painters. Not surprisingly, some suggest that this was a mental trick she played on herself to 'justify' a woman pushing the boundaries of art. See what you think.

The Eye of God by Georgiana Houghton

The Eye of the Lord by Georgiana Houghton

A detail from Glory Be to God by Georgiana Houghton

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