Painter of Romance - Edmund Blair Leighton

Edmund Blair Leighton

I'm not a huge fan of art. I never learned the true appreciation of it in High School, however there are a few artists that have captivated me. One of them is Edmund Blair Leighton. I'm sure you've seen these paintings around at one time or another, but if not, you're in for a treat today. Because his paintings are gorgeous. 

Leighton paints what is referred to as "historical genre scenes" with a very romantic feel. Typically, they are regency or medieval era. I'm including a few of my favorites with this post. :D

Edmund Blair Leighton was born in London, England on September 1, 1852. He attended college at both the University College School and the Royal Academy School. He began exhibiting his work in 1874 at the Royal Academy, and succeeded. Apparently, he did well enough as a professional painter to support his wife and two children. For Edmund's family, painting was a heritage. His father was a painter, which aided in Edmund's acceptance into Royal Academy, and interestingly enough, Edmund's son also followed in their footsteps and chose painting as a profession.

Accolade (1901)
Public Domain

Because I adore his art so much, it was shocking to me that Leighton was not considered among the ranks of truly great artists. In his obituary, which was printed in a magazine, Leighton was "a painter who, though he did not attain to the higher flights of art, yet played a distinguished part in aiding the public mind to an appreciation of the romance attaching to antiquity, and to a realisation of the fellowship of mankind throughout the ages."

Next Door Neighbor (1893)
Public Domain

Appreciation of the romance attached to antiquity. That must be why I like his work so much. :) To me, his work captures stories in still form. I could stare at them for a long time imagining what is happening in that scene. 

What do you think of his work? Who is your favorite painter?