The Death of Brunelleschi
This is one of the last works which Leighton produced as a student in Frankfurt. The subject is taken from Renaissance art historian, Giorgio Vasari’s book ‘Lives of the Artists,’ which inspired several of Leighton’s early paintings. The painting shows the death of the Florentine architect Brunelleschi, who reclines in his chair taking one last look out the window at his most famous work, the dome of Florence Cathedral. Leighton’s father modelled for the aging artist Donatello, who stands behind Brunelleschi, and his sister modelled as the architect’s daughter who sits on the floor. Leighton gave this work to his tutor Edward von Steinle, and the Museum purchased the work from Steinle’s son in 1909.
1852
Oil on canvas
287.0 x 227.0cm
LH0373
Image and text © The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, 2020
Where you'll find this
Leighton House
Permanent collection