A drawing for a series of four paintings based on an episode from William Morris' cycle of epic poems, 'The Earthly Paradise'. The first series is currently in the collection of Lord Lloyd-Webber, the second is in Birmingham's collection.
This is another version of the sketch for Pygmalion and the Image - Pygmalion at the Organ - Pygmalion playing the Organ
Manuscript illustrations from fol. 150v Le roman de la rose Shelfmark: Bodleian Library MS. Douce 195 Holding Institution: Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford Date Statement: 15th century, end Place of Origin: France Language: French, Middle (ca. 1400-1600) Catalogue Description: Catalogue of Western Medieval Manuscripts in Oxford Libraries Author: Guillaume de Lorris Jean de Meun Burne-Jones and Morris visited the Bodleian library to look at manuscripts while they were students, so that from an early age they were aware of this script
Three frames of eleven pencil designs for wood blocks, on tracing paper. Drawn for an illustrated edition of “The Earthly Paradise”, never carried out. “A man of Cyprus, named Pygmalion, made an image of a woman fairer than any that had yet been seen, and in the end came to love his own handiwork as though it had been alive; wherefore, praying to Venus for help, he obtained his end, for she made the image alive indeed, and a Woman, and Pygmalion wedded her.” – The Earthly Paradise.