Art is the Solution

Flaming June Source: The Frick Collection We’ve been touching on some dark topics in art lately, and today is Valentine’s Day, so today I want to chat about a painting that is a bit lighter and happier in terms of subject matter: the Flaming June by Frederic Leighton. Sometimes called the Mona Lisa of the southern hemisphere, this happens to be one of my mom’s favorite paintings, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing it multiple times at the Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. The painting, which depicts a sleeping woman, is usually understood to be “art for art’s sake,” a philosophical idea that posits that art has inherent value. Flaming June does not seek to convey a specific message or narrative; it is simply a celebration of beauty. Leighton’s work was heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. The Pre-Raphaelite philosophy is not my area of expertise, but it is a style that I find to be very attractive. If you want to know more about the style, I suggest you re...