Artwork

Clytie

Clytie, by Frederic Leighton, oil, 1873
Clytie, by Frederic Leighton, oil, 1873

Clytie is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Frederic Leighton. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Clytie is an oil painting created by British artist Frederic Leighton around 1873, now part of the collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene woman with long, wavy hair and a white robe, gazing upwards with a contemplative, yearning expression, surrounded by dramatic clouds and sunlight.

Technique & Style

Leighton employs chiaroscuro, skillfully manipulating light and shadow to create depth and volume, guiding the viewer's focus to the subject's face and figure.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1873, the work is currently held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum, with no detailed provenance provided beyond its current ownership.

Context

Reflecting Leighton's style, the piece aligns with late 19th-century British art's inclination towards classical themes and expressive use of light, though the specific mythological or literary inspiration for 'Clytie' is not immediately clear from the provided details.

Legacy

While 'Clytie' showcases Leighton's mastery of chiaroscuro and emotional depth, its broader impact or influence on subsequent art movements is not explicitly defined by the given information.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Frederic Leighton

Artist

Frederic Leighton

Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton,, known as Sir Frederic Leighton between 1878 and 1896, was a British Victorian painter, draughtsman, and sculptor.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Fitzwilliam Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.