Frederick Leighton (1830 – 1896), whose historical and mythological artwork was influenced by the Nazarenes and the Italian Renaissance, was one of the top Victorian classical painters. Exceptionally hard-working and vastly skilled, Leighton was a painter, sculptor, illustrator and writer who fluently spoke five languages and believed that sincerity was the source of all achievement. Unlike most major 19th century artists, he did not study at the Royal Academy, but was its president for almost 20 years. His decision to shift from historical subjects to mythological ones fortuitously coincided with the public’s interest in Greek culture, and solidified his popularity.

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