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Important WInter Sale presents Edmund Blair Leighton


Edmund Blair Leighton

"Faded Laurels"


Edmund Blair Leighton was born in London in 1852. His father, who died when Edmund was three, was also an artist and the son showed an early interest in following in his footsteps. He took evening classes in painting, including at South Kensington, and at the age of 21, he quit his day job and began studying full-time at the Royal Academy. He studied there for five years and in 1878 he made his debut at the Academy's exhibition. He would exhibit there regularly for 42 years.



Blair Leighton executed 'Faded laurels' in 1889 and exhibited it at the Royal Academy the same year. It depicts an aged harpist whose fame has waned and is overshadowed by a younger colleague. The elderly man is shown sitting on the steps in the foreground of the image, and behind him the crowd is gathered outside the church gate to listen to the younger musician. Even the King and Queen attend the concert. It was once claimed that Blair Leighton depicted his contemporaries in a historical context. He often chose motifs and themes that his contemporary audience could recognise, such as love, fear and grief. In 'Faded laurels' he deals with the eternal theme of the rise and fall of fame.


To be sold at the Important Spring Sale
Estimate 1 000 000 - 1 200 000 SEK

Viewing: November 30th– December 5th, Berzelii Park 1, Stockholm
Open: Weekdays 11 am–6 pm, Weekends 11 am–4 pm
Auction Live: December 6th – 8th, Arsenalsgatan 2, Stockholm

To the work

Read more about the auction and view the catalogue


Contact Specialist


Andreas Rydén
Stockholm
Andreas Rydén
Head Specialist, Art, Deputy Managing Director
+46 (0)728 58 71 39
Lena Rydén
Stockholm
Lena Rydén
Head of Art, Specialist Modern and 19th century Art
+46 (0)707 78 35 71
Mark Sjöberg
Stockholm
Mark Sjöberg
Specialist Art, Prints
+46 (0) 707 88 84 72
Rasmus Sjöbeck
Stockholm
Rasmus Sjöbeck
Assistant Specialist Classic Art
+46 (0)727 33 24 02