Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs

A special Valentine's Day viewing of this much-loved painting.

Due to the delicate nature of this painting (a watercolour and gouache on paper) this painting is only on display for limited hours every week in order to protect it. We're pleased to be able to open it especially for Valentine's Day.

The subject is taken from a medieval Danish ballad translated by Burton’s friend Whitley Stokes in 1855, which tells the story of Hellelil, who fell in love with her personal guard Hildebrand, Prince of Engelland. Her father disapproved of the relationship and ordered her seven brothers to kill the young prince. Burton chose to imagine a romantic moment from the story before the terrible end: the final meeting of the two lovers.

Although he never painted in oils, the intensity of hue is similar to that of an oil painting. The precise layering of watercolour reflects his early training as a miniaturist.

Viewing the painting

Can't make it in to see this on 14 February? This romantic watercolour is normally available to view in Room 20 at the following times:

• Thursdays 11.30am–12.30pm
• Sundays 2pm–3pm