SIR EDWARD COLEY BURNE-JONES, BT., A.R.A., R.W.S. | Ixion

Sotheby’s, London, 15 June 1982, lot 109 where purchased by Seymour Stein

The drawing has not been laid down and is cockling slightly. There is a small area of light staining at the far right edge and another small spot to the right of Orpheus' head. FRAME The drawing is contained in a simple black frame with a clean mount and under glass.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This picture depicts Orpheus with his lute on his way to Hades to bring back his deceased wife, encountering the soul of the damned Ixion tied to a wheel and spinning through eternity beside the river Styx. It was one of a series of seven designs made by Burne-Jones to narrate the story of Orpheus in Morris’ The Earthly Paradise and made into small paintings in 1872, according to the artist’s account books. Two of the designs are in the collection of Tate and four were offered in these rooms (14 December 2017, lot 6).

‘Proud Ixion (doomed to feel The tortures of the eternal wheel Bound by the hand of angry Jove) Received the due rewards of impious love.’
Sophocles