An indistinct artist's note on the back of this picture suggests that it may have been a study for a picture of Danaë, a character in Greek mythology. Her long, full robes, and the suggestion of a band around the head are in keeping with a classical subject. Folds and shadows in the material are described with a heavy pencil line, emphasizing pattern. Edward Burne-Jones was the leading artist of his day. Classical legends were one of the main sources of his subject matter.