Frederic Leighton: Life in London

"The Star of Bethlehem"
by Frederic Leighton

"In 1860 Frederic Leighton settled in London. 'Having passed much of his life,' writes Costa, 'among other nations, he felt the want of becoming really English, nor did the great and unexpected success achieved by his work abroad suffice him. For though in England he had friends in the higher ranks of Society, he desired to make for himself associates among his own colleagues - those fellow artists who had not attempted to disguise some slight envy of the fame gained from his work abroad by one whom they scarcely knew and many only by sight.'

He acquired a comfortable house with possibilities for a studio at No. 2 Orme Square, Bayswater. This residence speedily became the centre of a circle of admirers and friends. At this period Leighton was busy with portraiture, a branch of art which he cared very little about, but which was ever prominent, because to many people craved for his brush to delineate their feature. The two finished in 1861 were of his sister and of Mr. John Hanson Walker, the artist. These were exhibited at the Royal Academy and produced this reaction from some of the critics: 'His pictures are suited only for mural decorations, and are wholly out of place at the Royal Academy and should be consigned to the Architectural exhibition!'

These remarks aroused him to renewed efforts. In 1862 he showed seven pictures at the Royal Academy, among which is 'The Star of Bethlehem.' In this one king only is depicted standing on the balcony of his house, gazing at the effulgent Star. His figure is heroic and full of the spirit of poetry. Below the balcony a revel is in progress. With crown in hand, the king appears to have left behind the worldly pleasures of his palace as the starlight beckons him onto a spiritual journey. This Leighton painted brilliantly."

To be continued

(Excerpts from "Lord Leighton of Stretton, P.R.A." by Edgcumbe Staley.)