Edmund Blair Leighton Was a Thesis

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The death of Mr. Edward Blair Leighton, on September 1st, removed from our midst 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.

(Edmund Blair Leighton. English Pre-Raphaelite (2nd wave) painter born 1853 - died 1922)

The above quotation also refers to another positive aspect of his art and subject matter; namely, the view that his paintings suggest and evoke a "fellowship of mankind throughout the ages." This is again a romantic ideal that could also be a reason for the continued popularity of this artist.

However, at the same time the critics were also well aware of the artistic shortcomings of his art and were clear in the view that his art only suited a certain category or genre of art. An art critic, Gleeson White, writing in 1897, gives the following assessment of Leighton's work.

To place Mr. E Blair Leighton's work in a class to which it makes no pretence to belong, or to contrast it with the masterpieces of the past, or even of the present, would be to do it an injustice. It is the pictorial equivalent of light literature

(Edmund Blair Leighton. English Pre-Raphaelite (2nd wave) painter born 1853 - died 1922)

This is a very insightful and interesting comment.

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In other words, the critic is suggesting that we should not judge Leighton's works according the standards and aims of the highest forms of art. It is accepted that they are not masterpieces. We should rather accept his works for what they are. He compares them to light and popular literature.

There is no doubt that the works created by Leighton are decorative. However, I would tend to disagree with the view that they are only decorative and should be disregarded as art. Leighton provides well crafted and harmonious compositions that are more than just attractive wall hangings.

What makes this artist still relevant today is that the style and subject matter of his works show evidence of a longing for a world that is more refined, ordered and heroic than the often harsh and unromantic world of today. This, I think, explains something of the continuing popularity of these works. What this analysis of Leighton's art therefore suggests is that not all art need be of the highest order to be acceptable and to have a purpose. The purpose of the works of Edmund Blair Leighton is to remind us of form and beauty and of a romantic and ideal world. This may be seen as fantasy 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......

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