Frederic Leighton was a British painter, draughtsman, and sculptor. His works typically depict classical, historical, and biblical subjects. He was a master of the academic style. His paintings were highly popular in his lifetime and have been collected by collectors since the early 1800s. His works have been shown in major museums and galleries, including the Tate Britain.

The artist mainly worked in oil on canvas. He rarely used water colour, and rarely painted for books. However, he did work in fresco and sculpture. One of his best known frescos is a lunette at the South Kensington Museum, which represents war and peace. The painting is not particularly well-known because it is not on view, but it is highly impressive nonetheless. Another famous piece is an altar-piece in Lyndhurst Church.

Leighton was known for his portraits of royalty and royal family members. He was also an important member of the Royal Academy and the first commander of the Artists' Rifles. His murals at the Royal Exchange are among his most celebrated works. His most famous painting, Capri - Sunrise, recalls a visit to the island in 1859. A portrait of the Queen in a palace was his most well-known work.

The artist's artistic pursuits were limited by his health. During his youth, he took up sculpting, and studied under Giovanni (Nino) Costa and Servolini, among others. He told his father that he had already become an artist. It is unclear if this influence helped shape his later interest in sculpture, but this certainly contributed to his success as a sculptor.