Frederic Leighton’s only known painting of moon over water to go on show after being lost for a century

Frederic Leighton, Bay of Cadiz, Moonlight, c. 1866, will go on display this November Photograph: Image courtesy of Christie’s.

He was the most distinguished artist of the late 19th century – a grandee who entertained Queen Victoria at his home in Holland Park and was president of the Royal Academy for nearly two decades.

Frederic Leighton was feted for his portraits of women, especially his stunning Flaming June, currently the centrepiece of an exhibition at the Royal Academy. But he actually preferred painting landscapes and very occasional seascapes, one of which, Bay of Cadiz, Moonlight, he adored.