Flaming June

Sir Frederic Leighton completed Flaming June in 1895 and it is considered one of his most famous paintings.

The pose and singular portrait used here by the artist continues throughout much of his career and is believed to have been influenced by Greek art. Many others from around this period also did the same, such as the Pre-Raphaelites (see the likes of Burne-Jones, Holman Hunt plus Realism painter Godward). This classical art was beginning to lose favour during their lifetimes, but has been restored in popularity across this century.

Flaming June provides a good example of Leighton's brilliance, such as in the realism of various elements of this portrait. See the draping cloth, one can almost reach out and touch it. There is then the marbled surfaces and the vibrant colours that grab your attention. Somewhat pleasingly, this artwork was recently loaned to the Leighton House Museum in Kensington, London which re-connected the painting with its past. It had travelled around the UK on a number of occasions before ending up in Puerto Rico.

The original painting was surprisingly purchased by the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Ponce, Puerto Rico, who picked it up for a bargain price due to the relatively small interest in Victorian-era artists at this time. It would surely command a far more substantial figure in today's market were they consider to putting it back to auction. This art institution's backing has proven to be inspired, as Leighton's career continues to enjoy somewhat of a resurgence in recent years.