The Annunciation - Edward Burne-Jones

A fine art print of Edward Burne-Jones's stained glass design depicting the Annunciation and the Visitation, featuring characteristic Pre-Raphaelite figures and medieval-inspired motifs.

This composition by Edward Burne-Jones captures the narrative of the Annunciation through the medium of stained glass. The work is divided into two vertical panels, typical of ecclesiastical window design. In the left panel, the Archangel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary, who is depicted in a posture of humble reception. The right panel shows the Visitation, where Mary meets Elizabeth. Both scenes are framed by decorative tracery and foliage, which provide a sense of enclosure and sacred space.

Burne-Jones, a central figure in the later Pre-Raphaelite circle, worked closely with William Morris to revive the craft of stained glass. His approach to the medium prioritised linear clarity and a medieval aesthetic, drawing inspiration from early Italian painting and Gothic architecture. The figures possess the elongated, melancholic grace characteristic of his mature style, with drapery folds rendered to suggest movement and weight despite the limitations of glass and lead cames.

The colour palette is dominated by deep blues, crimsons, and golds, which interact with light to create a luminous effect. The foliage surrounding the figures is stylised, acting as a decorative border that unifies the two panels. This design reflects the Victorian interest in reviving traditional craftsmanship, moving away from the industrialised production methods of the era. By employing techniques that echo medieval glass-painting, Burne-Jones created works that functioned as both narrative art and architectural decoration. The composition avoids excessive perspective, maintaining a flat, ornamental quality that respects the two-dimensional nature of the window. This piece demonstrates the collaborative spirit of the Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. firm, where Burne-Jones provided the figurative designs and Morris oversaw the decorative elements and production.