Edmund Blair Leighton was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire, England. His family traveled extensively during his youth and he gained his general education and training in Rome, Frankfurt and Florence. When Leighton settled in London in 1860, his work turned from biblical and medieval subjects to mythological and Hellenic themes. He came to prominence in England and from then on he had a lucrative and successful career becoming President of the RA . Leighton regarded himself as a very different school to that of the Classicism and their style. His intensive early training and study on the Continent always gave to his paintings a highly professional and competent quality. His interest in the detailed depiction of soft drapery as it covers the human form shows his knowledge of classical sculpture. His elaborate and splendid London home in Holland Park Road is now Leighton House Museum.