Lot Essay
In describing Frampton's work Rudolf Dircks said his 'works are well-conceived, harmonious, dignified and strictly decorative' (Art Journal, 1907, p. 291).
The identity of the figure remains a mystery but the snow-covered hills suggest it is possibly St Bega, who, before establishing her nunnery, asked the local landowner to give her land for its foundation. But the landowner was very mean and told the nun that he would donate only the parcel of land which would be covered with snow the following morning (and this was in midsummer). The following morning the whole area up to three miles around the nun’s cell was covered by snow and the man had to keep his promise. This became known as her 'Snow Miracle'.
The identity of the figure remains a mystery but the snow-covered hills suggest it is possibly St Bega, who, before establishing her nunnery, asked the local landowner to give her land for its foundation. But the landowner was very mean and told the nun that he would donate only the parcel of land which would be covered with snow the following morning (and this was in midsummer). The following morning the whole area up to three miles around the nun’s cell was covered by snow and the man had to keep his promise. This became known as her 'Snow Miracle'.