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Michael LeonardVanitas (unfinished)c.2009
c.2009
About the Item
Alkyd-oil on board, 81cm diam., (100cm diam framed).
Although most famous for his portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth in the National Portrait Gallery, London, from the late 1970s up until his retirement from painting in 2009, Leonard created a series of paintings celebrating the male figure. The nude, particularly the male nude, has been a recurring theme in his work. “I am fascinated by the subtle interactions of muscle, bone and sinew that come into play as a body moves…” In this picture, Michael was revisiting his previous painting Vanitas, (1991) when he retired from painting due to ill-health, making the painting all the more poignant. (A Vanitas is a genre of art which uses symbolism to show the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. The genre began in the 16th century and has deep roots in the History of Art.)
Michael's work is always beautifully composed and expertly delivered onto the board. Never very prolific as an artist, his work is highly prized and collected internationally. He retired from painting in 2009.
- Creator:Michael Leonard (1933, British)
- Creation Year:c.2009
- Dimensions:Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Diameter: 39.38 in (100 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
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Established in 2013
1stDibs seller since 2022
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
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