Clytie

Clytie was Leighton’s last great masterpiece and was left unfinished in his studio at the time of his death. The painting depicts the nymph Clytie, who having been abandoned by her lover, sun god Apollo, spent her days watching him cross the sky until she became rooted to the ground and transformed into a flower. Leighton shows Clytie in a state of inconsolable grief, her arms outstretched to sense the warmth of the sunlight. The actress Dorothy Dene, who modelled for many of Leighton’s later works, posed for the figure of Clytie.

1895-6

Oil on canvas

156.0 x 136.0cm

LH3015

Acquired in 2008 with the generous support of The Heritage Lottery Fund, The Art Fund, The Friends of Leighton House and private donations. Image and text © The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, 2020