223 - Edmund Blair Leighton, ROI,

Edmund Blair Leighton, ROI, British 1852-1922- A Study: a Bedouin, three-quarter length, wearing a white tunic and holding a sword on his right hand, 1884; oil on board, signed with initials and dated 'E.B.L. 84' (lower right), bears partial label inscribed 'A Study / CONTRIBUTED BY / Blair E. Leighton' attached verso, 21.8 x 12.4 cm. Provenance: Private Collection, UK. Note: The son of artist Charles Blair Leighton (1823-1855), historical painter Edmund Blair Leighton studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art and at the Royal Academy, where he first exhibited and sold one of his paintings. He started his career producing illustrations for books and magazines, but he quickly moved on to working in oils.Influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, his best known works represent medieval legends and historical events (such as Lady Godiva, held at Leeds Art Gallery [LEEAG.PA.1893.0020]), as well as Regency scenes of everyday and courtly life (such as Adieu [1917.193] or On the Threshold [1917.239], both at the Manchester Art Gallery).Paintings of Orientalist subjects, such as the present lot, are rare within the painter's oeuvre. This study of a Bedouin, signed and dated, is distinguished by its sophisticated economy of means, strength, and expressivity.