Fitzwilliam work list 1871 Chaucer's Dream of good women, much altered. This second version has significant differences from the first of 1865. The smaller earlier version belongs to the medievalising style with it simpler line and intense colours. The figure of Chaucer has been re-modeled and the elaborate folds of the drapery have been closely observed, showing an advance in observational techniques and accuracy of drawing. The artist has removed from an interest in texture to a greater involvement with line and pattern. When Burne-Jones came to illustrate the story in the Kelmscott Press Chaucer c. 1890 he reprized something of the design but Chaucer is asleep on the ground and Burne-Jones had incorporated the crowd of good women in much the same way as he did the the second version of the painting.
Letter to Fairfax Murray dear little Muffy Here's the picture / - do it as big as you like. / I think if the width / of it were to be the size / of the present width of / the frame - that would / big enough - but please / yourself. Only it isn't / worth repeating unless / it is a good bit bigger / Murcott is the best man / to make panels & things / but go to Roberson if / you like. / the picture is better / & worse than I thought / but it will bear / repeating & was a / grand idea of yours / leave out the wall at the back of Chaucer / & I will put a low fence & do what I find / ?, make a long procession of wenches into / the woods at the back then. / this will amuse me & I want amusement. / Chaucer might be improved but I have no / time - I could / do that / when it is / finished / - copy it / just as it is / but do not / make any / of the faces / too strong / - there are / none of them / very good / goodbye. How are you. / Your ffectionate / EBJ NB. The colour of the / poppy is inimitably perfect / of Love, very good. - also / of alcester. the blue at / the back needs to / be more ultra marine. / the grain is good. - / make it much better / as you can