Collection: Lord Frederic Leighton (1830-1896)

Frederic Leighton, Baron Leighton (1830–1896), was an English painter and sculptor best known for his sumptuous, classical-inspired works that captured the ideals of beauty and grandeur characteristic of the Victorian period. Leighton was a prominent figure in the British art world, associated with the Aesthetic Movement and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, though his style remained distinctively academic. He embraced classical themes, dramatic compositions, and vibrant color palettes, making him one of the leading exponents of the 19th-century British academic tradition.

Leighton was well-traveled, studying in Europe under Italian, German, and French masters, which helped shape his refined technique and understanding of classical aesthetics. He became the first painter to be granted a peerage in the United Kingdom, illustrating his stature and influence within Victorian society. Leighton also served as president of the Royal Academy of Arts from 1878 until his death, advocating for the importance of classical traditions and the role of fine arts in society.

His works emphasize an idealized human form, harmony, and the beauty of classical themes, often with a timeless, otherworldly quality that remains captivating. His influence on British art persists, with his paintings embodying the refined beauty and elegance that defined the art of his time.

Some of Leighton’s most celebrated works include:

• Flaming June (1895): Perhaps his most famous painting, this work portrays a sleeping woman draped in bright orange fabric, set against a Mediterranean backdrop. The painting is celebrated for its exquisite detail, warm colors, and the sensual elegance of the figure, embodying the Aesthetic Movement’s motto of "art for art’s sake."

• The Bath of Psyche (1890): Inspired by Greek mythology, this painting depicts Psyche preparing for a bath, with an emphasis on purity, grace, and delicate lighting. The work reflects Leighton's fascination with idealized forms and classical beauty.

• The Garden of the Hesperides (1892): This painting illustrates the mythological daughters of the evening, the Hesperides, under a twilight sky. Rich in texture and movement, it evokes the magical atmosphere of ancient myths.