The nineteenth century was certainly an era of romance! Some of my favorite romantic paintings hail from this era. These are the days of Jane Austen, of Pride and Prejudice, of beautiful heroines and passionate heroes.
Flaming June
Painted by Frederick Leighton in 1895, this stunning painting features a sleeping woman with long brown hair and a gorgeous sunset-orange gown sleeping on a couch. The colors almost seem to glow in this work of art. She's completely at ease, curled up and sound asleep.
Signing the Register
Signing the Register was done by Edmund Blair Leighton and presents one of the most important moments in a person's life. That moment when the couple pledges their eternal love to each other, in front of family and friends, and makes a pact to be together always.
The Painter's Honeymoon
This romantic image by Frederick Leighton shows a loving couple off on their honeymoon, so in love that they can barely stand to be apart from each other. The painter is focused on his work, yes, but he is holding his dearest love at the same time. She is leaning over, pressed against him, delighted to be by his side. I love the way the bodies press together with adoration.
Dance at Bougival
Pierre-Auguste Renoir is rightly famous for his many beautiful works. In this one he portrays a French couple enjoying a dance together. The man's eyes are shaded, but they are clearly focused on his beautiful partner, wooing her as he draws her body in close to his.
It's interesting that different people have different impressions of the woman. Some feel she is being coy, luring him in to her. Others feel she is a bit distracted, avoiding his gaze for some reason. Which do you see?
The Dance in the City
Pierre-Auguste Renoir enjoyed creating dance scenes. In this one, The Dance in the City, he has an elegant man in a formal dark suit. He is dancing with a beautiful woman in a shimmering white dress, complete with white gloves and flowers in her hair. This seems to be in a high class environment, indoors, with potted plants and marble.
Dance in the Country
Pierre-Auguste Renoir and his dances. This one is a fun country dance, the French couple enjoying an evening under the stars. The woman holds an oriental fan, her red hat bright against her white flowered dress. The man has his lips nuzzled in her hair, greatly enjoying the dance.
