The Meeting on the Turret Stairs, 1864 Frederick William Burton (1816-1900)

We create our paintings with museum quality and covering the highest academic standards. Once we get your order, it will be entirely hand-painted with oil on canvas. All the materials we use are the highest level, being totally artist graded painting materials and linen canvas.

We will add 1.6" (4 cm) additional blank canvas all over the painting for stretching.

High quality and detailing in every inch are time consuming. The reproduction of Frederick William Burton also needs time to dry in order to be completely ready for shipping, as this is crucial to not be damaged during transportation.
Based on the size, level of detail and complexity we need 8-9 weeks to complete the process.

In case the delivery date needs to be extended in time, or we are overloaded with requests, there will be an email sent to you sharing the new timelines of production and delivery.

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We not stretch and frame our oil paintings due to several reasons:
Painting reproduction is a high quality expensive product, which we cannot risk to damage by sending it being stretched.
Also, there are postal restrictions, regarding the size of the shipment.
Additionally, due to the dimensions of the stretched canvas, the shipment price may exceed the price of the product itself.

You can stretch and frame your painting in your local frame-shop.

Once the painting The Meeting on the Turret Stairs is ready and dry, it will be shipped to your delivery address. The canvas will be rolled-up in a secure postal tube.

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Composition
Frederick William Burton’s "The Meeting on the Turret Stairs" is a masterpiece of emotional intensity and dramatic composition. The painting captures a poignant moment, with the figures of a knight and a lady occupying the narrow, shadowed confines of a turret stair. The knight, resplendent in his chainmail and crimson tunic, leans wearily against the wall, his arm tenderly encircling the lady. She, dressed in a flowing blue gown, turns her face away, her posture a mixture of sorrow and resignation. The tight, vertical composition emphasizes the intimacy and secrecy of their encounter, drawing the viewer into their private world.

Foreground
In the foreground, the knight and the lady dominate the scene with their richly detailed attire and expressive poses. The knight's armor gleams with a soft, metallic sheen, his crimson tunic a vivid splash of color against the cold stone. His posture is one of weariness and longing, his eyes closed as he leans into the embrace. The lady, in contrast, is a vision of medieval elegance, her blue gown adorned with intricate gold embroidery. Her long, golden braid cascades down her back, adding a touch of vulnerability to her sorrowful stance. Her hand rests gently on the stone wall, as if seeking support or solace.

Background
The background, though minimal, is crucial to the painting's atmosphere. The stone walls of the turret stair are rendered with meticulous attention to texture and detail, their cold, grey surfaces creating a stark contrast to the warmth of the figures. The narrow window above them allows a sliver of light to penetrate the gloom, highlighting the figures and casting soft shadows. This careful use of light and shadow not only enhances the three-dimensionality of the scene but also underscores the isolation and melancholy of the moment.

Style and Technique
Burton’s style in this painting is characterized by his precise, almost photographic attention to detail and his masterful use of color and texture. The rich, saturated hues of the knight’s tunic and the lady’s gown stand out vividly against the muted tones of the stone walls, creating a striking visual contrast. His brushwork is meticulous, capturing the intricate patterns of the embroidery and the subtle play of light on the chainmail. This level of detail, combined with the expressive poses of the figures, creates a powerful emotional impact, drawing the viewer into the narrative.

Lighting and Atmosphere
The lighting in "The Meeting on the Turret Stairs" is both dramatic and subtle, with a narrow beam of light illuminating the central figures. This light, filtering through the narrow window, creates a spotlight effect that highlights the emotional intensity of their encounter. The soft, diffuse shadows add depth and atmosphere, enhancing the sense of intimacy and seclusion. The overall mood is one of quiet desperation and poignant farewell, capturing a moment of profound emotional resonance.

In sum, "The Meeting on the Turret Stairs" by Frederick William Burton is a tour de force of narrative painting. Through his expert composition, meticulous detail, and masterful use of light and color, Burton transports the viewer into a world of medieval romance and heartache, leaving an indelible impression of this brief, sorrowful encounter.