Lot 30
SIR EDWARD BURNE-JONES (1833-1898)
STUDY FOR 'THE GODHEAD FIRES', CIRCA 1868-70
Auction: Design Since 1860 Day One | Wed 14th October | Lots 1 to 245
Description
graphite on paper
Dimensions
28cm x 20cm (frame size 53cm x 44.5cm)
Provenance
Collection of the artist's granddaughter
Denys Wells
Abbott and Holder
Art & Design from a Private Collection
Footnote
Burne-Jones’ The Godhead Fires is the third painting in the second series of Pygmalion and the Image, depicting the moment when Aphrodite brings Galatea, Pygmalion’s ivory sculpture, to life. Aphrodite is shown standing on a cloud surrounded by doves and roses, extending one arm towards Galatea. Galatea’s upper body and arms are shown in motion, while her legs and feet remain positioned on the pedestal from which she is emerging. The two female figures have similar features and forms. The painting is based on the story of Pygmalion and Galatea from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The series is held in the collection of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.