Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt., A.R.A., R.W.S. (1833-1898)
Lot 16 Studies for The Sleep of Arthur in Avalon by Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones
(lots 5, 16-18)

The Sleep of Arthur in Avalon (Museo de Arte, Ponce, Puerto Rico), Burne-Jones's largest oil painting, was commissioned in 1881 by his friend and patron George Howard, Earl of Carlisle. As time passed, however, and the picture assumed the status of a great personal statement, Howard resigned his right to it and Burne-Jones continued to work on it for his own satisfaction. It was still unfinished at his death in June 1898.

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt., A.R.A., R.W.S. (1833-1898)

Study of a seated female figure for 'Arthur in Avalon'

Closed15 June 2011

Price Realised

GBP 6,500

More Information

How to sell

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt., A.R.A., R.W.S. (1833-1898)
Study of a seated female figure for 'Arthur in Avalon'
signed and dated 'EBJ. 18/82' (lower left)
blue and green chalk, on paper
12 5/8 x 8 7/8 in. (32 x 22.5 cm.)

Specialist note

This drawing is a study for the Queen who sits in the foreground at the King's feet, playing a sort of bass viol or primitive cello. A watercolour study for this instrument, possibly by a studio assistant rather than Burne-Jones himself, was sold in these Rooms on 7 June 2001, lot 35.

For other studies for Arthur in Avalon, see lots 5, 17 and 18.