Perseus and Andromeda - Edward Burne-Jones

A study for the Perseus series, this work depicts the classical myth with the characteristic ethereal grace and rhythmic composition of Edward Burne-Jones.

This work is a study for the Perseus series, a project commissioned by Arthur Balfour for his London drawing room. Edward Burne-Jones depicts the Greek myth of Perseus rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster. The composition is divided into distinct stages of the narrative, moving from the left to the right. Andromeda stands bound to the rock, her form rendered with the elongated, ethereal grace characteristic of the artist. To the right, Perseus engages the serpent, his posture dynamic and muscular. The figures are set against a rocky, coastal environment that feels removed from the natural world, favouring a dreamlike, poetic atmosphere over realistic depiction.

Burne-Jones utilised a muted, earthy palette, relying on soft ochres, pale flesh tones, and cool blues to define the figures and the surrounding water. The serpent, with its iridescent scales, provides a visual contrast to the human forms. The artist avoids sharp, aggressive lines, opting instead for a fluid, rhythmic quality that unifies the figures with the background. This approach reflects his interest in Italian Renaissance painting, particularly the works of Botticelli and Mantegna, which he studied during his travels. The painting is not merely a retelling of a classical story, but an exploration of form and mood. It captures the tension of the moment through the arrangement of bodies rather than through violent action. The figures appear suspended in time, their expressions calm and detached, which is a hallmark of Burne-Jones's mature style. This print captures the subtle gradations of the original gouache, preserving the delicate balance of light and shadow that defines the composition.