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Lachrymae

1894–95
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 800
Leighton’s nickname, Jupiter Olympus, reflects his passion for the ancient Greek and Roman world. He derived this painting’s title from the Latin word for “tears.” The theme of sorrow is represented by a woman in dark robes standing beside a memorial with a withered wreath at her feet. Behind her is a cypress, a symbol of mourning and immortality, backlit by a funeral bonfire or a sunset. Emphatic vertical lines structure the composition and its frame, which Leighton designed.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Lachrymae
  • Artist: Frederic, Lord Leighton (British, Scarborough 1830–1896 London)
  • Date: 1894–95
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 62 x 24 3/4 in. (157.5 x 62.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection, Wolfe Fund, 1896
  • Object Number: 96.28
  • 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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