This magnificent painting – The Meeting on the Turret Stairs – is a strangely evocative painting inspired by the Danish poem, The Legend of Hellelil and Hildebrand.
This water-colour, which was painted in 1864 by Frederic William Burton, is so delicate it is only exhibited for three hours each week in the National Gallery of Ireland in order to preserve it.
Hellelil was a Danish princess and Hildebrand one of her body-guards. They fell in love – much to the displeasure of her father who ordered his seven sons to kill Hildebrand.
Hildebrand killed six of the boys and spared the seventh at Hellelil’s request. Hildebrand died of his wounds and Hellelil herself died soon afterwards.
But the allure of this painting is nothing to do with the tragedy or the action of the story. Burton chose to imagine and depict this parting of the lovers rather than any feats of battle.
This achingly painful farewell may be anguished and sad but it’s appeal isn’t in its artistry or theme or even in its tragedy – though all of those are present along with the vibrant colours and delicate brushwork.
The reason that so many people are drawn to this painting is that the sum of its parts add up to something much more extraordinary than any of that.
The limp and helpless arm in the passing and stolen embrace. The turned away faces. Closed eyes. The tenderness and longing like a separate character alive in that stairwell…
The Meeting on the Turret Stairs speaks to us almost a hundred and fifty years after it was painted because, in spite of the medieval clothes and setting, it captures something we all long for and – if we’re lucky – experience.
It captures a sense of love.
How lovely that you chose this today. I have a copy of this painting hanging in my bedroom and I love it dearly, especially the little bit of hair she has tucked into her belt. Thank you for sharing such wonderful information about this beautiful painting.
You are more than welcome! Such a lovely choice of print – I’m sure you enjoy looking at it.
What a remarkable painting, with so many layers.. one that speaks directly to the heart…very very special. And thank you for the explanation…
Isn’t it magnificent? I’m glad you enjoyed it.
lovely, both the painting and your description
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I’m finally catching up on blogs! I’ll read/“Like” blog posts, but will come back to comment on other/future posts. Thanks for your patience! 🙂
I told you, Elizabeth – don’t worry!!!!!
I love this painting. I have not seen it before I know, because I would remember. I love it! The emotions really draw me in. I would love to find a print! Debra
I’m glad you liked it – I love it too – I’m sure you can get a print of it online.
This painting is truly alive with tenderness and longing–and sweet respect for each other’s humanity, it seems to me. These qualities really do make a third party on that stairwell. So pleased the curators are preserving this artwork so very carefully!
I totally agree. It is of such delicate beauty that it takes the breath away.