China: The Three Emperors, 1662-1795
The season’s headline-grabbing spectacular concentrates on the arts, crafts and scientific instruments produced during the reigns of three Qing emperors. Many of the 400 exhibits have not been seen in Europe before.
Royal Academy, W1, until Apr 17
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Embracing the Exotic
How African and Oceanic art affected the sculpture of Jacob Epstein and the almost forgotten Dora Gordine (1898-1991). The latter, a self-taught artist and cosmopolitan society figure, is something of a find.
Ben Uri Gallery, NW8, until Mar 19
Canaletto in Venice
Giovanni Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto (1697-1768), established the definitive image of Venice with his breathtakingly convincing paintings. Fourteen of them form the core of this exhibition, but there are also 70 works on paper — the largest group of the artist’s drawings ever shown.
Queen’s Gallery, SW1, until April 23
Was Jesus Heterosexual?
Gilbert and George are teasing with what they call their “Sonofagod Pictures 2005” — in other words, huge photo works in which the would-be shocking duo take centre stage.
White Cube, N1, until Feb 25
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Midsummer: East Yorkshire 2004
The title tells you when and where these watercolours were done. The artist is David Hockney. Without the name, the work would be barely interesting, however competent, pretty and illustrative.
Gilbert Collection, Somerset House, WC2, until Feb 19
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Mackintosh in France
Hands up if you knew that the great Scottish architect was also a really interesting painter of watercolours. After his design career collapsed, he turned to painting, first in Suffolk, then in the south of France. Here are the best of the French works.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, until Feb 5
Moonrise over Europe
Here’s a small but beautiful show, consisting of moonlit landscapes by Caspar David Friedrich, Turner, Samuel Palmer and others. The star of the show, however, is Friedrich’s close friend JC Dahl. You may not have heard of him, but it’s worth going to Birmingham just to see his work.
Barber Institute, Birmingham University, until April 23