Comparison of the 1986 picture ‘Clytie’ by Frederic, Lord Leighton with the contemporary work of David Brooke is exhibiting at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery.
The exhibition entitled “In the Footsteps of Gods & Heroes” is a great display of one of Victorian England’s leading artists. The viewer gets chance to compare Leighton’s paintings with work of the local artist, David Brook.The contrast between the two takes the viewer through the journey from classical times to present day.
Both paintings are based on mythology, but filter through the eyes of each artist. Leighton’s painting is a classic Victorian painting and uses soft colours and a practical view. Brooke’s painting entitled ‘A Metamorphosis of Clytie’ is a modern and colourful image open to the viewers’ own interpretation.
Melanie Kane, Project Marketing and Event Assistant of Russell-Cotes Gallery said: “We were excited to be given the opportunity to display this work by Frederic, Lord Leighton and contrast with the paintings by local artist David Brooke.”
Lord Leighton created the mythological nymph ‘Clytie’ painting based on his favourite model and muse Dorothy Dene, born Ada Alice Pullen. Lord Leighton’s relationship with the model is said to to be the inspiration behind George Bernard Shaw’s Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle in the play Pygmalion, and its later musical adaptation, My Fair Lady.
The ‘Clytie’ was acquired by Leighton House Museum in 2008 with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery is only the fourth one showcasing the painting.
The exhibition is available for the public in Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum until 11 June 2012. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Monday from 11 am and 5 pm. David Brooke’s works will be available to purchase.
