Flaming June (by Frederic Leighton) Cushion

This design features a painting by the British artist Sir Frederic Leighton (1830–1896), who was famous for his works depicting historical, biblical, and classical scenes in an academic style. This painting shows a stunningly beautiful woman wearing a diaphanous red dress as she is curled up asleep. Some art historians have said that the toxic oleander branch in the top right could symbolise the fragile link between sleep and death. The rich colours and the elegantly recreated marble surround are characteristic of Leighton's realistic style, as is his lifelike use of natural light. This painting is widely considered to be Leighton's magnum opus and it was completed in 1895; it is currently housed in the Museo de Arte de Ponce, Puerto Rico.