Early Life and Education

Sir Frederic Lord Leighton, a renowned British painter, draughtsman, and sculptor, was born on December 3, 1830, in Scarborough, United Kingdom. His family's wealth, courtesy of his grandfather's lucrative career as a physician to Russian tsars, provided Leighton with the means to pursue his artistic endeavors without financial constraints. Leighton received his early education at University College School, London, and later honed his artistic skills on the European continent under the tutelage of Eduard von Steinle and Giovanni Costa. At 17, he met philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer in Frankfurt, capturing his likeness in a graphite and gouache portrait – the only known full-length study of Schopenhauer done from life.

Artistic Career

Leighton's travels significantly influenced his work, with extended periods spent in Rome, Paris, and other European cities. His experiences shaped his artistic style, which was characterized by historical, biblical, and classical subject matter in an academic vein.

• Athlete Wrestling with a Python (1888-1891), a white marble sculpture, marked the beginning of a renaissance in contemporary British sculpture, referred to as the New Sculpture.
• Clytie 1 (156 x 137 cm, Leighton House Museum, United Kingdom, Academicism, Oil on Canvas) showcases Leighton's mastery of capturing movement and energy.
• Leighton's paintings represented Britain at the great 1900 Paris Exhibition, cementing his reputation as a leading artist of his time.

Legacy and Personal Life

Leighton remained a bachelor, with rumors surrounding his personal life, including speculation about an illegitimate child with one of his models and potential homosexual relationships. However, these claims are not substantiated by primary sources. Leighton's relationship with poet Henry William Greville, whom he met in Florence in 1856, is well-documented, but the nature of their bond remains a topic of debate. Important Links: * Sir Frederic Lord Leighton: Clytie 1 * Frederic Leighton on Wikipedia * Sir Frederic Lord Leighton's WahooArt Page

Museums and Artworks:

* Leighton House Museum (United Kingdom) * Blake Museum (United Kingdom) * Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery (United Kingdom)