Fitzwilliam work list 1876 "Began the picture of the King's wedding, that is a tall picture with girls coming down steps - about 10 feet high: afterwards called the Golden Stairs" At the bottom of the sketch, are the words "The King's Wedding" which has been crossed out. Processions of maiden's had been a favourite subject since the designs for Cupid and Psyche were made, the erased inscription may refer to The King's Wedding (Clemens Sels Museum Neuss) but there is a possibility that this is the very first idea of a subject of bridesmaids processing at a king's wedding. The painting, The Golden Stairs was first referred to as "The King's Wedding"therefore it is reasonable to suggest that this is the germ of the subject that was to evolve into the major painting.