Information

A page from the facsimile edition of Burne-Jones' Flower Book, one of 38 watercolour designs reproduced by Henri Piazza et Cie, for the Fine Art Society, London in 1905. Korb asserts that Uerscheln has misidentified this flower and that 'Flower of God' refers to the chrysanthemum, also called shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum). Korb states that the chrysanthemum has particular significance in Marian circles, as it is commonly referred to as 'Mary, Flower of God', which seems to be what Burne-Jones's imagery directly refers. The image shows a flower that appears to be a Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) as does another Annunciation in Birmingham's collection.Burne-Jones created dozens of Annunciation scenes throughout his career, but only four seem to have a direct correlation with this 'Flower Book' scene: 'Annunciation, Flower of God' (Collection of Lord Lloyd Webber, 1862); 'The Annunciation' which depicts the same flower (Birmingham, 1862, 1931P64); 'Annunciation' (stained glass, All Saints Church, Middleton, Cheney, Northamptonshire, top light, north aisle, east window, 1880); 'Annunciation' (from the 'Secret Book of Designs', British Museum, 1889).

  • Purchased, 1953.
  • © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Makers

Association Artist Organisation
Artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones -

Inscriptions

Type Position(s) Method Date(s) Notes
The Annunciation in a cornfield.
Label - Printed - description of the scene, written by the artist. printed by the artist, herein a facsimile
 

Literature

Author(s) Date(s) Publisher Pages
The Flower Book.
Edward Burne-Jones 1994 Taschen Pl. VI
 
Hidden Burne-Jones, Works on paper by Edward Burne-Jones from Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery
2007 Dan Giles, Ltd., London p. 72

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