Drawing for the Figure of Christ, American Church, Rome, Edward Burne-Jones, circa 1881-1885

In 1881, burne-jones was asked to design the mosaics for st. Paul’s within-the-walls, the american church in rome. The church was designed in byzantine style by his friend, the english gothic revival architect george edmund street (1824-1881). This drawing relates to the mosaic in the dome of the apse representing heavenly jerusalem, completed in 1885. The design was inspired by the mosaic decoration at the early medieval church of san apollinare nuovo in ravenna, which burne-jones had visited some years previously. (see references). Date: circa 1881-1885. Dimensions: height: 14 in (35.5 cm); width: 10 in (25.4 cm). Medium: graphite on paper. Collection: Delaware Art Museum. Edward Burne-Jones - Drawing for the Figure of Christ, American Church, Rome