Edmund Blair Leighton

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Description

Edmund Blair Leighton
A Christian Martyr
signed E. Blair Leighton and dated 1884 (lower left)
oil on canvas
34 1/4 by 18 in.
87 by 45.7 cm

Provenance

Sale: Sotheby's, London, June 4, 1997, lot 140, illustrated

Catalogue Note

While Leighton’s figure does not wear the shining armor or bright finery of his medieval or regency heroes, he is imbued with the same sense of nobility. Looking out prison bars at the lion that will bring his martyrdom, the artist sensitively portrays a moment of brave reflection of a life well lived. The cramped perspective of the prison cell only heightens the heroic stature of the man dressed in rags, ribs exposed, yet strong of spirit.