Laus Veneris by Sir Edward Burne-Jones

This picture, commissioned by William Graham, was based on a lost watercolour dated 1861 and there are possible connections between Burne-Jones's subject, Wagner's opera Tannhaiiser (which was produced in Paris in 1860), and Swinburne's poem, Laus Veneris (begun in 1862).

Details

Category:
Literary
Medium:
Oil on canvas Dimensions: 122 x 183 cm
Art Fund grant:
£4,000 ( Total: £47,000)
Acquired in:
1972
Vendor:
Agnew's

Henry James was among those who praised the picture when it was first exhibited.

Provenance

Commissioned by William Graham; Christie's, 1886; Sir William Agnew; Philip Agnew, then by descent; Sotheby's, 1957; Agnew; Huntington Hartford Museum; Sotheby's; Agnew's.

Venue details

Laing Art Gallery New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne and Wear NE1 8AG 0191 232 7734 www.twmuseums.org.uk/laing

Entry details

Free entry to all
Free exhibitions to all

Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm
Sun, 2 – 5pm

Closed 25 – 26 Dec and 1 Jan

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