Frederic William Burton

(Irish, 1816-1900)

An early preliminary study of Helen Faucit as Antigone, c. 1845

graphite on paper

inscribed (verso)

17 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches.

Property from the Joshua B. Kind Trust, Downers Grove, Illinois

The present lot is very similar to a finished watercolor study by Burton, Helen Faucit (1817-1898), later Lady Martin, as Antigone, c. 1845, included in the National Gallery of Ireland's collection and a finished painting of the same subject, c. 1845, now in the National Galleries of Scotland. In 2018, the National Gallery of Ireland included the finished watercolor in the exhibition catalogue, Frederic William Burton: For the Love of Art.

Lot note:

The subject of the present work is Helen Faucit, an actress who came to Dublin in 1845 and was acclaimed for her role as Antigone in a new translation of Sophocles' tragedy. Burton, struck by her beauty and classical profile, made the comparison with figures on a Greek frieze or vase. The drawing is likely a preliminary study for the watercolor. It was Burton’s habit to execute numerous studies before making decisions about a final composition. It is probable that the head on the table (a tripod cinerary urn) is that of King Creon, who became responsible for the death of Antigone. The item in her arms is a reference to the wreath that she holds in the finished work. Burton would have researched the story of Antigone to ensure he devised the most appropriate composition.

An early preliminary study of Helen Faucit as Antigone, c. 1845