THE MORNING OF THE RESURRECTION (1886) † NCM 1900-682 Burne-Jones began this painting in 1882, but did not complete it until four years later, when it was exhibited at the Grosvenor Gallery. It depicts the biblical scene of Mary Magdalene's visit to the empty tomb, where she encounters the resurrected Christ, accompanied by Angels. The Angels are making the ancient sign of adoration by covering their mouths. The figure of Mary and the Angels are in typical Burne-Jones style. Burne-Jones was close to an intellectual group called ‘The Souls’, which included many of the most distinguished English politicians and intellectuals. One of the members was the politician Alfred Lyttleton whose first wife Laura often modelled for the artist. BurneJones inscribed a personal dedication to her in the lower left-hand corner of the painting. It was so small however, no one noticed it.
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