![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Edmund_Blair_Leighton%2C_1900.jpg/373px-Edmund_Blair_Leighton%2C_1900.jpg)
Leighton was born in the fall of 1852. His father was already
an established portrait painter who even had his work accepted for exhibition
at the Royal Academy. Leighton attended University College School in Hampstead
(what we in American would consider a high school), then went on to study at
the Royal Academy. His work wasn’t deemed worthy of exhibition, however, until
he was 26. Once he was deemed worthy, he had something in the annual exhibition
for 40 years. He married at age 33 and had two children.
He specialized in paintings that told a story. Reviewers at
the time called them “highly wrought.” There was no doubt, however, that they
had high popular appeal. I think you can see why. In fact, you might recognize
some paintings that have since graced the cover of Regency romance novels. Here
are some of my favorites.
Courtship
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_Courtship.jpg/311px-Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_Courtship.jpg)
The Request (love her collar!)
![File:Edmund Blair Leighton - The request.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_The_request.jpg)
Adieu (because, sailing ship!)
![File:Edmund Blair Leighton - Adieu.jpg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_Adieu.jpg)
The New Governess
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_The_New_Governess.jpg/332px-Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_The_New_Governess.jpg)
A Wet Sunday Morning (Love her sisters and family watching from the church!)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_A_Wet_Sunday_Morning.jpg/328px-Edmund_Blair_Leighton_-_A_Wet_Sunday_Morning.jpg)
Leighton was never made a member of the Royal Academy. He
died just short of his seventieth birthday in 1922. But his paintings live on
in the hearts of many.
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