Disabled and LGBTQ+ Activist and Influencer Jessica Kellgren-Fozard’s Response to ‘Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed Each Other’ by William Calder-Marshall (1862–63)
@jessicaoutofthecloset Lesbians kissing = virtuous in classical art 👩❤️💋👩 #tiktoklearn #queertiktok #queerhistory #queerhistory101 #lgbtq #lesbianart ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic
Transcript
Welcome to ‘Queer History 101’.
Did you know that there’s an image of two women kissing in St Paul’s Cathedral? It’s true! The panel from the 1860s is part of the monument to the Duke of Wellington’s rather masculine military actions. And that stands out.
But not only was there an artistic tradition in the nineteenth century and earlier in European art of love between women standing as an allegory for peace between nations, but these figures are specifically personifying the Psalm the sculpted piece is named after. Psalm 85:10 reads, ‘Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other. Basically, God was opposed to peace on Earth, as long as the people remained sinful and unrepentant, but now, they are united, because God’s grace is greater than sin.
And depicting two women kissing was a virtuous way to portray that, it was believed.
About Jessica Kellgren-Fozard
Jessica Kellgren-Fozard is a vintage icon and leading advocate for LGBTQ+ and disability rights. Jessica’s unique sense of personal style, coupled with her blend of creativity and intellect, has amassed her a legion of fans.
Jessica’s unique and humorous take on life and forging on when the going gets tough has seen her lauded by DIVA Magazine as a ‘Rising Star’ of the LGBTQ+ community; has won her awards including ‘Vlogger of the Year’ from Blogosphere Magazine; and has seen her work with huge brands and channels such as MTV, BBC Three, BBC Radio 1 and ITV.
Find Jessica on TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About the Monument
‘Righteousness and Peace Have Kissed Each Other’ was one of three relief panels sculpted by William Calder Marshall RA (1813–1894) as part of the commemoration of the Duke of Wellington, along with three further panels by William Woodington (1806–1893). As Jessica has described, it represents the moment in Psalm 85:10 that the allegorical Peace and Righteousness, both personified here as women, greet each other with a kiss, under the gaze of a procession of figures, each one layered with symbolism. Read this article to find out more.