Study Of St Cecilia Teaching St Frideswide

This sketch by Edward Burne-Jones, titled "Study Of St Cecilia Teaching St Frideswide," expressive and sensitive in its illustration, captures a moment of teaching or blessing. The artwork features a frontal figure, likely St. Cecilia, as suggested by the title. She is draped in a long, flowing garment that cascades elegantly to the ground, and the handling of her drapery emphasizes a graceful fluidity, typical of Burne-Jones's style.St. Cecilia, who is regarded as the patroness of musicians, often depicted in artworks, is bent over in a pose that suggests she is either teaching or bestowing a blessing upon St. Frideswide. The halo around her head indicates her saintly status. Despite her face not being fully visible from this angle, her posture—bowed head and outstretched arms—evokes a sense of humility and concentration.The drawing is executed with a blend of delicate line work and perhaps washes of ink, giving both depth and texture. The additional sketch on the right, showing an extended hand holding a circular object—possibly a symbol or teaching tool—complements the main figure and suggests an act of offering or explanation.Edward Burne-Jones’s signature at the bottom right, along with his typical use of mystical and religious themes, situates this work within his broader oeuvre that commonly explored spiritual and allegorical subjects, drawn from or inspired by medieval stories and Christian iconography.