Sir Edward Burne-Jones 1833 – 1893

The Adoration of the Magi

tapestry (258x377 cm) — 1904 Museum Musée d'Orsay, Paris

This work is linked to Matthew 2:11

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Burne-Jones worked in William Morris's studio when the latter was commissioned in 1886 to make a tapestry. The client was the rector of Exeter College, Oxford.

The cartoon with the design was ready in 1888, after which the weavers started making the tapestry. It was completed in 1890 and was received enthusiastically. It led to nine other orders, also after Burne-Jones passed away in 1893.

One such order came in 1904 from French banker Guillaume Mallet. That is the version that hangs in the Musée d'Orsay today.

Burne-Jones only designed the figures. The other parts were designed by John Henry Dearle.

The texts on the tapestry are: "The 'Adoration' designed by Sir E. Burne-Jones" and "Made by Morris and Company Merton Abbay England. MCMIV"