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

Sir Philip Burne-Jones, the artist's son by whom sold Christie’s, 5 June 1919, probably lot 161;
Robert Ross, son of the Canadian governor;
Bought c.1970 from Hartnoll & Eyre by the present owner

London, Hartnoll & Eyre, October 1972, no.3

Julian Green, 'Dans la gueule du temps', Journal illustré 1900-1972, 1978, p. 216, illustrated p. 217

The paper has been laid down on a canvas support and is sound. It cockles slightly and a faint crease to the right of the figure's right foot, in line with the ankle and a small repaired tear to the chin. There are lines across the face which appear to be the result of localised water damage. The picture would benefit froma light clean as there are localised areas of staining but the picture is in overall good condition. Held in an attractive gilt plaster exhibition frame 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 dramatic study was made in preparation for one of Burne-Jones' most important and beautiful series of pictures, depicting Charles Perrault's story of Sleeping Beauty, entitled The Briar Rose (Buscot Park, Oxfordshire) painted over at least twenty years from 1870. It is study for the armoured knight, who is approaching the garrison of sleeping soldiers on the outskirts of the King's palace in The Briar Wood.

Although Burne-Jones revised and began afresh versions of the other three main scenes from the Briar Rose series, The Briar Wood was completed to the artist's satisfaction in 1885. However it is notoriously difficult to date Burne-Jones' pictures as the dates were often added many years after the pictures were executed when the artist was reliant on his (often inaccurate) memory. However it is possible to speculate when this study may have been made. It probably dates to the mid-1870s around the time that Burne-Jones painted an elaborate study for the sleeping knights in The Briar Wood (Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool). Like the Liverpool picture Burne-Jones painted the figure of the Prince nude, demonstrating the artist's meticulous working method.