Angelus Ministrans

c. 1896

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones

Associated Names
Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones

Artist, British, 1833 - 1898

The image shows a person standing upright, holding a long staff in their left hand, which extends from the ground up beyond their shoulder. The person is gazing slightly to their left. Their hands suggest they are resting or possibly clasping something. The facial features are delicate and softly outlined; the person has wavy hair that is longer on the sides, secured with a headband or wrap, and flows down around the face. Their attire consists of a voluminous, draped garment that falls in multiple folds down to their feet, suggesting movement or depth. A tied sash at the waist gathers the garment. In the background, the scene has a dark, almost monochrome appearance, emphasizing the light and shaded contrast of the figure, which adds a dramatic element to the composition. The background lacks distinct elements, focusing attention on the figure itself.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    brush and gold paint on wove paper prepared with black watercolor

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    Overall: 25 x 13.3 cm (9 13/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
    overall: 35.6 x 27.9 cm (14 x 11 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1997.67.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Peter Nahum, London); purchased by NGA, 1997.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2006

  • The Artist's Vision: Romantic Traditions in Great Britain, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2006 - 2007

Inscriptions

lower left in gold paint: E / B / J (in monogram); by later hand, upper center verso in graphite: 2 / 19 1/2 x 14

Wikidata ID

Q64631864

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