"Such is the method by which Sir Frederic Leighton finds it convenient to build up his pictures. The labour entailed by such a system as this is, of course, enormous, more especially when the composition to be worked out is of so complex a character as the _Captive Andromache_ of last year, every figure and group of which were treated with the same completeness and detail as we have seen to attend the production of so simple a picture as _The Sibyl_. Deliberateness of workmanship and calculation of effect, into which inspiration of the moment is never allowed to enter, are the chief characteristics of the painter's craftsmanship. The inspiration stage was practically passed when he took the crayon in his hand; and to this circumstance probably is to be assigned the absence of realism which arrests the attention of the beholder." Mr. Spielmann has instanced, in the above account, the tragic and lovely _Captive Andromache_, exhibited in 1888; and we may further add that exquisite painting of _Greek Girls playing at Ball_, of 1889; or the still more exquisite _Bath of Psyche_, of the year following. All three are full of technical delicacy and finesse. For other qualities take that radiantly pictured myth, the _Perseus and Andromeda_, or the _Return of Persephone_ (both of 1891); or the lovely _Clytie_ of 1892, whose sunset background was painted at Malinmore, on the west coast of Donegal; or the _Atalanta_ or the _Rizpah_ of 1893. [Illustration: STUDY FOR "PERSEUS AND ANDROMEDA"] [Illustration: STUDY FOR "THE BATH OF PSYCHE"] [Illustration: STUDY FOR "SOLITUDE"] The memorable picture, first named of these, which shows Andromache at the Well, is in particular a most characteristic example of the artist's larger style. In it, true to his classic predilections, he gives a new setting to the touching old story of Andromache's captivity. Following up the earlier scene in the "Iliad," where Andromache begs her husband Hector not to sally forth to battle, but to stay and defend the city, and where, finding her prayers in vain, and weeping, she bids Hector farewell, the picture shows the fulfilment of Andromache's fears and the dire prophecy which Hector had recalled to his wife.