A study for Pygmalion and the Image: 'The Godhead Fires’ (Venus bringing the statue to life). Julian Hartnoll had ascribed the drawing to Burne-Jones’s studio assistant Charles Fairfax Murray, stating that other drawings mounted on the same blue backing paper were almost always by him. It seems more likely that the drawing is by Burne-Jones, but had been acquired by Charles Fairfax Murray. The drawing had previously been offered for sale at Sotheby’s Belgravia on 12 December 1978, Lot 50, as by Burne-Jones. This attribution is supported when comparing the drawing with similar studies by Burne-Jones, including one of Figures embracing in Auckland Art Gallery (Accession no.1955/23/4), however I propose a later date than the one of c1868, as initially suggested by Sotheby’s Belgravia.ee attached document
The earlier date (1868) would appear to be correct as the drawing is preliminary to the first series as the sketch relates to the making of the first series specifically in the similar setting and background details of figure and the absence of a draped pillar.
Study for the third of the Pygmalion Series 'The Godhead Fire' original for Morris' book 'Earthly Paradise'. The finished paintings are in Birmingham City Art Gallery and a private collection.