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Lot Essay
Sheilds' relations with the Rossetti family were close and he was in constant correspondence with Christina Rossetti. In 1883, after the death of Dante Gabriel, his mother commissioned from Shields 'two lights in stained glass, to be placed in the little window which overlooks the grave of Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the churchyard at Birchington, near Margate.' (Athenaeum, 22 September 1883, p. 181).
The first window is from Rossetti's own design adapted by Shields from 'The Passover in the Holy Family: Gathering Bitter Herbs' (London, Tate Gallery, watercolour, 1855-56).
The second window was designed by Shields and depicts the subject of the present watercolour; Christ leading the Blind Man out of Bethsaida. The inscription under the window reads - 'To the glory of God and in the memory of my Son Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti. Born in London May 12th 1828. Died at Birchington Easter Day 1882'.
The first window is from Rossetti's own design adapted by Shields from 'The Passover in the Holy Family: Gathering Bitter Herbs' (London, Tate Gallery, watercolour, 1855-56).
The second window was designed by Shields and depicts the subject of the present watercolour; Christ leading the Blind Man out of Bethsaida. The inscription under the window reads - 'To the glory of God and in the memory of my Son Gabriel Charles Dante Rossetti. Born in London May 12th 1828. Died at Birchington Easter Day 1882'.