See Lord Frederick Leighton Paintings.
English Academic painter, sculptor, illustrator & writer
born 1830 - died 1896
Born in: Scarborough (England).
Died in: Greater London (England).In 1855 Leighton sent his vast canvass Cimabue's Celebrated Madonna is Carried in Procession through the Streets of Florence, to the Royal Academy Exhibition, where it was a sensation, creating his reputation as an artist overnight. This vast painting, done in Rome was the product of two years work. It is over 17 feet long! The subject concerns Cimabue's Rucellai Madonna being taken in procession from the painter's house to a large church in 13th century Florence. The painting was meticulously planned by Leighton, and a great number of preparatory sketches were used. The whole vast picture is wonderfully painted, and in it's style points towards the mature large works of the painter. It is, however, very static, also an enduring feature of Leighton's work. The picture was greatly admired by Prince Albert, and as result was bought by Queen Victoria. In the immediate following years, Leighton was unable to repeat this success, but as the 1860s progressed grew steadily more successful. He moved to London in 1859, was elected in Associate of the Academy in 1864, a full Academician in 1868, and PRA in 1878.
Leighton was a lifelong bachelor. In later life his favorite model was Ada Alice Pullen, known as Dorothy Dene. George Bernard Shaw knew them both, and it is likely that they were the models for Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolitlle in Pygmalion. Throughout his life he was energetic, and hardworking, and his inability to take life more easily when in his sixties accelerated his death. It is a curious fact that Leighton was only Baron Leighton of Stretton on the last day of his life. His funeral was at St. Pauls Cathedral.
Leighton's magnificent home Leighton House, is now a museum.
other artist: Julius LeBlanc Stewart Paintings Jean-Leon Gerome Paintings Frank Dicksee Paintings Louise Abbema Paintings