Frederic Leighton: Antiquity, Renaissance, and Modernity (Studies in British Art, 5)

Rating:
Summary: masterly essays
Review: A timely and convincing re-evaluation of an unfairly reviled Victorian master. Barringer and Prettejohn demonstrate that Leighton has borne the brunt of Modernist abuse for far too long. The full extent of his achievement is brought out in this comprehensive and powerful collection of essays, which show that 'Flaming June' and his other works are much more than merely charming. I particularly liked Prettejohn's elegant account of his four major narrative pictures. Now at last critics can write about Victorian art openly, fairly and with insight. Leighton emerges as a masterly and subtle artist - not before time.