“God Speed”
Today, a painting by one of the most successful Victorian Romantic era artists, Edmund Blair Leighton.
“God Speed” is a beautiful and iconic oil on canvas painting by the English Romantic artist, Edmund Leighton, from 1900. This is one of Leighton’s most famous works, made at the height of his career. It was first exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art in London, England.
In this piece, Leighton depicts a knight on a horse leaving his beloved on the way to war. A beautiful maiden is tying an embroidered red sash around his arm; a common medieval custom that was supposed to be returned to the woman, in the belief that it would help to reunite the pair afterwards. The knight looks earnestly at the maiden, showing obvious devotion. The couple is sad and forlorn, but steadfast and doing what they believe is right, chivalry at its finest. The name of the painting comes from the famous expression, “godspeed”, to wish a traveler a safe journey.
This painting shows Leighton’s skill at depicting emotion and intimacy, something that Academic artists often had difficulties with. Leighton’s work is known for its high detail and refined finish. His paintings told stories, providing a bounty of detail about the setting from one still scene. He was extremely successful with the public who adored his period pieces.
Leighton is most known for his Victorian-era art depicting medieval subjects and legends. His art blurs the boundary between Romanticism and the Pre-Raphaelites. Even though most people today do not know his name, most are familiar with his work. His art still shapes modern perceptions of what the Middle Ages were. Filmmakers have used his vision of medieval times to inspire their own works. Leighton’s art exhibited no dark themes. They instead focused on displaying chivalry and humanity at its best.
“God Speed” is currently in a private collection. This painting most recently sold at Sotheby’s in London in May of 2012 for £481,250.
For more on Edmund Leighton, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
