[1] An influential artist, Leighton was notable for his love of history, and was known by the moniker 'Jupiter Olympus' due to his interest in classical antiquity.

[2] Following his rise as an artist in his own right, Leighton often associated himself with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which often produced art depicting figures from Medieval and Classical lore.

As noted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's profile of Lachrymae, the painting's tabernacle frame evokes thoughts of a temple doorway.

[1] A study and several preliminary drawings (both done in chalk) of the subject's head are in the collection of the Leighton House Museum in London.

[1] In addition to symbols of death, Lachrymae depicts pieces of Greek pottery Leighton likely used as props or inspiration.