Description:
One of Leighton's best known and most widely reproduced works, 'Flaming June' is an exploration in colour and form. His most abandoned tribute to beauty was anticipated two decades earlier in the reclining figure of 'Summer Moon', as well as in 'Captive Andromache' and is also a possible sequel to his 'Summer Slumber' of 1894. According to Leighton, however, the monumental form, which recalls Michelangelo's 'Night' in Florence's Medici Chapel, was not intentionally arranged, but occurred naturally when the fatigued model was resting. The condensed composition was the result of many frenzied prepartory studies. There is no apparent subject matter; this is simply a depiction of a young woman sleeping in brilliant sunlight. Through the unifying curtain of luminous glow, we glimpse the sun reflecting on the sea. However, all extraneous detail was reduced, concentrating all on the confined figure, modelled by Dorothy Dene. Despite the claustrophobic setting, the figure has a certain passivity in the luxuriant ambience. Vibrant orange diaphanous drapery emerge like flames, erupting over the woman's figure and illuminating parts of her face, neck, forearms and foot. Leighton's statements in his Academy notebooks anticipated this masterpiece's execution: "A deep, slow cumulative execution... is suitable only for subjects of repose... all the qualities of a work of art must be struck in the key and appeal to the order of sensation... suffusion of colour (saturation) gives idea of an overmastering impulse."
You are viewing a giclee print. Each piece was created by a special process called "Giclee". Giclee is a computer generated print that is produced by the spraying of an image on to fine art paper. The inks used are specially formulated so that the fine print heads can spurt jets of ink in minute droplets. When prints are produced on fine art quality paper, the print should posses archival standards of permanence comparable or better than other collectible work.
You are viewing a hand colored print. The process begins with hand-pulled black & white decorative and antique reproduction prints. Each print is then individually designed and hand colored using the same methods of color application that were used throughout the 19th century, before modern color lithography. Individual artists meticulously paint each piece using the finest European watercolor paints on heavy mat, acid free, archival paper resistant to deterioration and discoloration. By combining old world craftsmanship with fresh design innovations, our artists create works of stunning depth and vibrancy that are absolutely beautiful and unique.
Limited editions are a series of identical prints, which are limited to a one-time printing of a certain number of pieces. The artist determines the size of the edition, and usually signs and numbers each individual piece. Limited edition prints framed by the Fulcrum Gallery are handled separately and given the utmost individual care and attention, using archival framing materials and practices. Because limited editions are in limited supply, and are of exceptionally high quality, the price is generally at a premium to regular open edition prints.
