Sir Frederick William Burton

J. Robinson Esq. by 1862

London, Old Watercolour Society, 1859:
London, International Exhibition, 1862, no.1211

This picture is in good overall condition with strong colours throughout. The paper is flat and there are no signs of cockling. There are a few faint foxing marks to the younger girl's shawl and a small area of discolouration to her forehead. There is also a small area on her pink head-scarf where the gum-Arabic is cracking and there are small areas of paint loss. These could be easily restored by a paper conservator. FRAME This picture is contained in a highly ornate moulded frame (in good condition) which is probably original to the watercolour.
"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."

'The picture of highest intent is Mr Burton's "Widow of Wohlm," kneeling upon a church floor, prayer- book in hand, the little daughter of childlike innocence and beauty by
her side. The manner is evidently closely founded upon the early Flemish school of Van Eyck. The drawing of the head and hands, the cast of the drapery, the whole attitude
and purpose, indicate severe and careful study. Though small, there is not another picture of the year which can assert stronger claim to the high dignity of art.' (Blackwood Magazine, December 1859, p.141)

Burton first visited Germany and Bavaria in 1842 and there followed a long series of trips to various parts of Europe, which gave him a profound knowledge of the paintings of the Old Masters. Whilst staying in Munich in 1844 he was engaged by Maximilian II of Bavaria to restore and make copies of pictures in the Royal Collection. Towards the end of 1851 Burton moved from Dublin to Germany and lived for the next seven years in Munich working for Maximilian and producing his own detailed watercolours inspired by the local people and architecture. He made annual visits to London to exhibit the watercolours that he painted in Franconia, Nuremberg, Bamberg and the villages of Muggendorf and Wöhlm. Among his most elaborate pictures from this period are Peasantry in Franconia waiting for Confession and The Procession in Bamberg Cathedral and along with the present work, they were well received by the critic for the Times; 'No early master, not Hemling or Van Eyck, not Martin Schon, Cranach, or Holbein, ever painted an individual physiognomy more conscientiously than Mr Burton has painted his widow. And with all the Old Master's care, the modern draughtsman has immeasurably more refinement than any of them.'

The costumes worn by the widow and the young girl are those of Upper Franconia. The child model appears to be the same as depicted in Sunday Morning (Christie's, 26 November, 2003, lot 14).

The best-known of Burton's work is The Meeting on the Turret Stairs of 1864 which is also known as Hellelil and Hildebrand (National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin) which was voted the most popular picture in Ireland in 2012. The bright blue of the female figure's dress in this picture is of a similarly bright tone as the child's costume in The Widow of Wöhlm. The crisp detail and strong colour reflect the influence of Pre-Raphaelite painters upon Burton's work, especially Millais. Burton's technical dexterity is even more remarkable, considering that his right hand had been paralysed in a childhood accident and he painted with his left hand.