The Art of Edmund Blair Leighton Analytical Essay by Nicky

The paper provides an overview and analysis of the life and art of Edmund Blair Leighton, a Pre-Raphaelite Victorian painter who painted highly finished and decorative depictions of Victorian life as well as history works. The paper explains that the subjects of Leighton's works were highly romanticized and idealized, and this has led to modern criticism of his work as being merely decorative and somewhat irrelevant in relation to more "serious" art. The paper asserts that Leighton provides well-crafted and harmonious compositions that are more than just attractive wall hangings, and his art is still relevant today because its style and subject matter show evidence of a longing for a world that is more refined, ordered and heroic than the often harsh and unromantic world of today. The paper concludes that Leighton's work may be seen as romantic idealism, but his art depicts his subject matter with such clear lines and tones that it succeeds in creating a sense of longing for a better world. This paper contains a photo of one of his paintings.