3-079-598 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Study for 'The Star of Bethlehem', 1875-1899. In 1887 Burne-Jones designed a tapestry called The Star of Bethlehem, representing the Adoration of Magi, for the Chapter of Exeter College, Oxford, Morris and Burne-Jones' old college. One year later the Birmingham Corporation commissioned him to execute a large watercolour version of the subject The Star of Bethlehem (Birmingham, City Art Gallery), which was completed in 1891.;This drawing is a study for the figure of Joseph for the tapestry or the watercolour. Joseph is depicted as an old man seen in profile and with a grey beard, Joseph, who carries a bunch of hay to warm up the Infant Christ. He looks at the baby with a vigilant and worried attitude that is emphasized by the movement of his left hand, the only dynamic element of the figure.