femme fragile

Detail of Flaming June, 1895, by Frederic Leighton (1830-1896)

This painting depicts the Greek myth of Andromeda. Andromeda was the daughter of the King and Queen of Ethiopia. Her mother made the bold claim that her daughter was more beautiful than any sea nymph. Once hearing this, the sea nymphs called on their father Poseidon to take control of a sea monster, and attack the Ethiopian kingdom. Seeing no alternative, the King and Queen chained their daughter to a rock, sacrificing her.

Heroically, Perseus was flying his famed winged horse Pegasus nearby, and came to save Andromeda by slaying the beast. Perseus and Andromeda then fell in love.

Leighton portrays the moment in which Perseus, seen flying above, shooting arrows at the beast. Andromeda stands helpless and contorted under threat.

Detail of Flaming June, 1895, by Frederic Leighton (1830-1896)

Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) “Spirit of the Summit” (1894) Oil on canvas Academicism

“Spirit of the Summit” has been described as symbolising the purity of the human spirit, refined of everything gross and material, reaching out beyond itself for eternity.

This painting depicts the Greek myth of Andromeda. Andromeda was the daughter of the King and Queen of Ethiopia. Her mother made the bold claim that her daughter was more beautiful than any sea nymph. Once hearing this, the sea nymphs called on their father Poseidon to take control of a sea monster, and attack the Ethiopian kingdom. Seeing no alternative, the King and Queen chained their daughter to a rock, sacrificing her.

Heroically, Perseus was flying his famed winged horse Pegasus nearby, and came to save Andromeda by slaying the beast. Perseus and Andromeda then fell in love.

Leighton portrays the moment in which Perseus, seen flying above, shooting arrows at the beast. Andromeda stands helpless and contorted under threat.

Knucklebones, 1867, Frederic Leighton

Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) “Spirit of the Summit” (1894) Oil on canvas Academicism

“Spirit of the Summit” has been described as symbolising the purity of the human spirit, refined of everything gross and material, reaching out beyond itself for eternity.

Frederic Leighton -  Idyll, c.1880-81

Frederick Leighton  — “Eucharis, A Girl with a Basket of Fruit”. detail. ca 1863

Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) “Music Lesson” (1887) Oil on canvas Academicism Located in the Guildhall Art Gallery, London, England

“Flaming June”, 1895

Frederic Leighton

“Perseus and Andromeda” by Frederic Leighton, 1891