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Frederic William Burton , Irish, 1816-1900

Title

Study for 'Faust's first Sight of Marguerite'

Datec.1857

MediumGraphite, gouache, and watercolour on card

Dimensions

27.3 x 25.5 cm

Credit LinePresented, Mrs Sheila Beere, 1987

Object numberNGI.19361

DescriptionFrederic William Burton obsessively experimented with and planned each subject he approached. Viewing this preparatory study and other related works allows us to understand Burton’s practice intimately. Although the overall composition and core elements are echoed in the final work, there are some key differences. This study lacks much of the setting and details like the dog and Marguerite’s rosary beads. This exercise was likely intended as a wider compositional and tonal study.

(Katie Buckley, Curatorial Fellow - Prints and Drawings, An Artist's Presence, 2025, Print Gallery)