The Sleep of Arthur in Avalon (Museo de Arte, Ponce, Puerto Rico), Burne-Jones's largest oil painting, was commissioned in 1881 by his friend and patron George Howard, Earl of Carlisle. As time passed, however, and the picture assumed the status of a great personal statement, Howard resigned his right to it and Burne-Jones continued to work on it for his own satisfaction. It was still unfinished at his death in June 1898.
The three figures in the final painting are closer together as a unit and this drawing was used as a guide to an assistant for the under painting as seen in the photograph by Hollyer of the canvas in an unfinished state. Hitherto dated c1890 owing to the disparity between the models used and those in the final painting, the earlier date of c1885 is suggested.
This study is for the group of three figures standing to the right of the King's bier, watching him and ready to rouse him if the need arises. In the painting the figures are heavily draped. Harrison and Waters date the drawing to circa 1890.