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The Return of Persephone

ca. 1890–91
Not on view

Leighton made this study in preparation for a monumental painting depicting the myth of Persephone (Leeds Art Gallery). At the right, Persephone’s pale body rises out of the underworld, where she is condemned to spend part of each year among the dead. Head flung back, arms extended beseechingly, she is supported by Hermes, the messenger of the gods, who wears a blue cloak and red-winged hat. On the left, Demeter, goddess of the harvest and agriculture, greets her daughter with open arms. The reunion of Demeter and Persephone was associated with renewal and the changing of the seasons, evoked here by the warm blue sky and the sprig of almond blossom at Demeter’s feet.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Return of Persephone
  • Artist: Frederic, Lord Leighton (British, Scarborough 1830–1896 London)
  • Date: ca. 1890–91
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 10 5/16 × 7 7/8 in. (26.2 × 20 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of James David Draper, from the Robert Isaacson Collection, 2019
  • Object Number: 2021.10.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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The Sluggard, Frederic, Lord Leighton British, Bronze, dark olive brown patina, British, London
The Sluggard
Frederic, Lord Leighton
J. W. Singer & Sons Ltd.
modeled 1886, cast possibly before 1896
Needless Alarms, Frederic, Lord Leighton British, Bronze, dark olive brown patina, British
Needless Alarms
Frederic, Lord Leighton
modeled 1886, cast 19th century
Samson Carrying the Gates, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery", Frederic, Lord Leighton British, Wood engraving on India paper, mounted on thin card
Samson Carrying the Gates, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery"
Multiple artists/makers
1881
The Spies Escape, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery", Frederic, Lord Leighton British, Wood engraving on India paper, mounted on thin card
The Spies Escape, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery"
Multiple artists/makers
1865–81
Samson at the Mill, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery", Frederic, Lord Leighton British, Wood engraving on India paper, mounted on thin card
Samson at the Mill, from "Dalziels' Bible Gallery"
Multiple artists/makers
1865–81

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