'Melittion'

Painting details

Title: 'Melittion'
Date: c.1882
Media: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 122.0 x 90.0 cm
Location: Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand
Picture credit: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, New Zealand

Interpretation

The subject of this painting is from 'Sappho', written by the German dramatic poet and playwright Franz Grillparzer, and first performed in 1818. Sappho's beautiful slave, Melitta (meaning honey and bee in Greek), attracts the attention of Phaon. Filled with jealousy, Sappho criticises her garments, saying, "so many veils suggest there's something veiled?" (Verses 1084-87). In Leighton's painting, the hands, partly visible through the pink drapery, suggest the body beneath the fabric and allow Leighton to demonstrate his renowned aptitude for painting drapery. [With thanks to Mary Kisler, Mackelvie Curator International Art, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki]

Description

Three-quarter-length standing female figure, facing the viewer and holding a pitcher in the right arm. The figure is heavily draped in pink classical drapery.

Provenance

Collection of W. Imrie; sold by Imrie through Christie's (autioneers) on 28 June 1907 (lot 120); purchased by Barratt; sold through Christie's (auctioneers) on 10 May 1918 (lot 93); purchased by Winstone; sold through Christies on 17 June 1927 (lot 110); purchased by Sampson; collection of Moss Davis; presented by Davis to Auckland City Art Gallery in 1927

Exhibition history

• 1882, Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, The Royal Academy, London, catalogue number 1462