Art Collections Online
Study of a Head
BURNE-JONES, Sir Edward (1833 - 1898)
Media: oil on panel
Size: 35.5 x 25.6 cm
Acquired: 1921; Transfer; Turner House
Accession Number: NMW A 244
This is an oil study of one of the singing boys in the background of Edward Burne-Jones’s best-known painting King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid (1884, Tate). The painting was first planned in the mid-1870s and Burne-Jones spent a number of years working out the composition in a series of drawings and watercolours, but most of the work for the final painting was undertaken during 1883 and the beginning of 1884. It was completed and exhibited at Grosvenor Gallery in London in spring 1884.
The model for the singer is probably Jessie Keene (b.1872), or possibly her older sister Laura (b.1867/8), who also modelled for painter James McNeill Whistler in the 1880s. Their mother, Annie, was a regular model for Burne-Jones, her likeness apparently appearing in works such as The Golden Stairs (1880, Tate). Another sister, Bessie (b.1878/9), also went on to become a favourite model and is portrayed in works such as Vespertina Quies (1893, Tate) and Love Among the Ruins (1894, Wightwick Manor, National Trust).
Comments - (15)
Line what I know before it is too late, my mother never talked much about her grandmother I didn’t know her name though I realise now that I was named for her, she lived in Highgate after she married and became Mrs Keene , my mother told me she ran a coffee house ( it may have been a stall) there where Artists met ,mentioning Millais and others of the Romantic school. My grandmother Taigi became an actress ,Jessie married William Wontner,Artist who was mainly a portrait artist did well for some time but died in poverty,Jessie survived him . SisterLaura married a Mr Bagshaw ( banker) 1 son now deceased Monsignor Canon john Bagshawe I have some photos and paintings which I will put on line. Yours Anne Wall.
I lately published an article on Annie Keene in the Women History Review with the help of the information you supplied in this site with references to all of you. I could send you the article if you wish.
Best Regards
Tamar Hager
Thank you for your comment, I have sent the enquirer a message privately to ask that he contacts you should he wish.
Many thanks
Graham Davies
Digital Media, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Would you be interested in corresponding with me for an exchange of family information? It would not be appropriate to do so on the Museum of Wales website. If so, will you post your email address on the site or shall I post mine?
Your cousin,
Henry Sire
Alice Munro-Faure
You can find more information in my blog entry http://sitioparatodo.blogspot.com/2013/09/keene-mountain-nymph-sweet-liberty-identity.html (it's in spanish, but includes a translation gadget)
I have just been alerted to your message. Charles Joseph Keene was a first cousin of my great-grandmother Adelaide Sire, nee Keene, so you are my fourth cousin and the closest relation, equal with the Conynghams (do you know about them?) that I have so far discovered through the Keenes.
Your message upsets the deductions I had made: I was under the impression that Charles Keene had three daughters: Laura (who acted under the stage name Taigi), Jessie and Bessie. Can you put me right about this?
Henry Sire.