Romeo and Juliet
1884
Frank Dicksee captures the ultimate teenage rebellion and romance in this lush, dramatic scene. Romeo, clad in tights and a cape, has just scaled the wall to steal a kiss from Juliet, who glows in a flowing white gown against the dark archway. The twisted column and lush greenery frame their secret meeting, while a distant cityscape bathes in the soft light of dawn or dusk. This is a textbook example of Victorian Academic art—highly polished, emotionally charged, and obsessed with Shakespearean drama. It was a massive hit when shown at the Royal Academy in 1884, proving that people have always been suckers for a good love story.
- Technique
- oil on canvas
Location: Southampton City Art Gallery