Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt., A.R.A., R.W.S.

George Howard, Earl of Carlisle and thence by descent;
Sotheby's, London, 25 January 1989, lot 495;
Phillip's, London, 1994, purchased by Moss Galleries, where purchased in 1996 by the present owners

This drawing is in very good condition. The paper is slightly time-stained and cockled a little but this is only visible upon close inspection. FRAME This picture is contained in a black painted and gilt reeded frame with a clean mount and under glass.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This design for a stained glass panel, along with four others, appears in Burne-Jones' account book in November 1887. The designs were made for Morris & Company as part of a commission to decorate Brampton Church in Cumberland for its patron George Howard, the ninth Earl of Carlisle. Philip Webb was the architect and Burne-Jones designed no less than fourteen windows for it. This design was for one of five panels for the south aisle, all of which were dedicated to the memory of one of George and Rosalind Howard's eleven children, Bessie Howard. Bessie had been baptised in the church but died only four months after her birth in 1883. It is possible that the child on Christ's knee is a portrait of Bessie or at least symbolic of her tenderly in the care of Christ in Paradise. The face of Christ is based upon that of Burne-Jones himself who was a close friend of the Howards. Designs for Bessie Howard's other memorial windows are now in the collection of Tullie House and depict Elizabeth with the Infant John the Baptist; Salome with the Infants James and John; Eunice with the Infants Timothy; and Mary and Elizabeth with the Infants Jesus and John.