Freud's Afternoon Session - Freud and Moses: What's in a name?

Freud had a lifelong fascination for the figure of Moses. An etching after Rembrandt's painting of Moses about to shatter the Ten Commandments hung in his consulting room in Vienna, and Freud dedicated his final completed work, Moses and Monotheism, to the question of the lawgiver's identity. This talk explores Freud's fascination, particularly in relation to his 1913 article the Moses of Michelangelo, which was composed under the influence of multiple visits to view the sculpture in the church of St Pietro in Vincoli, on his trip to Rome in 1901. Despite Freud's libidinal investment in Michelangelo's sculpture, he chose to publish his paper anonymously. We will examine this peculiar 'authorial' decision in the light of Freud's ambivalent relationship to his Jewish heritage.

_______________________________________________________________________

Speaker:

Tom DeRose is Research Manager at the Freud Museum London. His research focusses on the cultural and philosophical aspects of Freudian theory. His most recent publication is ‘Freud’s Changing Views on Sadomasochism’, published in, ed. Akhtar and Crilley, ‘The Joy of Torment’ (Karnac, 2024). His has recently written chapters on Freud’s theory of Anxiety and Psychoanalysis and the detective novel, and is currently working on a chapter on Freud and Africa.

_______________________________________________________________________

Complement your visit to the Freud Museum with one of our tours or talks led by staff, volunteers and guest speakers.

Afternoon Sessions are free with your admission ticket. Book your admission ticket now!

The event will be held on the first floor of the Museum during regular opening hours. Unfortunately, the Freud Museum does not currently have step-free access. Advance booking is highly recommended, as capacity is limited.

Concessions/Members/Patrons: Please show proof of eligibility/membership card on arrival.