The Quartet, 1869

oil on canvas
61 x 89 cm.
private collection

Albert Moore was profoundly influenced by the Elgin Marbles and often used the ancient world as the setting for his pictures. He shared this interest with other Classical Revival artists, such as Lord Leighton and Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

But Moore was not interested in trying to recreate the classical world, or use it as the setting for a story. He intended his pictures to have no function other than as beautiful objects, a celebration of ‘art for art’s sake’. Languidly posed models, flowing Grecian robes, vases, fabrics and architectural details are all used to create a beautiful decorative scheme.

CZ