In Thomas Mann’s *Death in Venice*, the famous writer Gustav von Aschenbach retreats to Venice to die and falls in love with the Polish youth Tadzio, who thus becomes a metaphor for life and a symbol of death and transience
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The novella is partly based on Mann’s own experiences in Venice during the cholera epidemic of 1911. His *Diary Entries* contain notes of incestuous fantasies involving his 13-year-old son Klaus, which invite further comparison with Tadzio.
Björn Anderson was hailed as the most handsome young man of his time for his role as Tadzio in Visconti’s film *Death in Venice*. An ambivalent honour, which even at the time hinted at abuse on various levels, and Anderson struggled with this ‘trauma’ until the end of his life.
The quest for beauty is therefore ambivalent and fascinating; it can take place in all media – painting, drawing, photomontage, collage, sculpture or art objects.

This course welcomes anyone who wishes to explore this theme.