Masterpiece (lord Leighton)

Masterpiece of Lord Leighton, Cimabue's celebrated madonna is carried in procession through the streets of Florence 1853- 1855.
(222 x 520 cms)

This was Leighton's first major work, painted in Rome.
It was shown at the academic in 1855 and was an imediately success.
Queen Victoria bought it at the opening day for 600 guineas.
She recorded in her diary:

"There was a very big picture by a man called Leighton.
It is a beautiful painting, quite reminding one of a Paul Veronese, so bright and full of light.
Albert was enchanted with it, so much that he made me buy it".

The subject is from Vasari's account of how the "Rucellai Madonna" was carried from the house of the 13th century painter Cimabue to the church of St. Maria Novella in Florence.
Vasari also mentions Charles of Anjou, king of Naples, and Leighton has shown him on horseback on the right of the composition.
In front of the Madonna, and crowned with laurels, walks Cimabue with his pupil Giotto.
Behind are Arnolfo de Lapo, Gaddo Gaddi, Andrea Tafi, Nicola Pisano, Buffelmacco, Simone Memmi.
In the right corner is Dante.

Leighton worked on his masterpiece for two years, sent it to the Royal Academy exhibition, and so created his reputation as an artist overnight...

link to the image (ARC) http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/image.asp?id=9560&hires=1

link to biography of lord Leighton by Paul Ripley http://www.artrenewal.org/articles/2003/Lord_Leighton/bio1.asp

link to playlist of lord Leighton http://www.youtube.com/user/meesterschilders#grid/user/95072B217AF918D8

Category:

Film & Animation

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[GracleiaRose]

Absolutely beautiful!

GraceliaRosa Victoria De Valencia

[donchisciotte62]

What a painting!