Pygmalion and the Image: The Godhead Fires - Edward Burne-Jones

Edward Burne-Jones's 'Pygmalion and the Image: The Godhead Fires' depicts the magical moment when Galatea comes to life, rendered in the artist's signature dreamlike Symbolist style. A beautiful and romantic fine art print for the home.

Sir Edward Burne-Jones's 'Pygmalion and the Image: The Godhead Fires' (1878) is the third painting in the Pygmalion series, a visual interpretation of the classical myth where the sculptor Pygmalion falls in love with his ivory statue, Galatea, and prays to Venus for her to come to life. This particular panel captures the pivotal moment when Galatea is imbued with life, her pallid skin gaining colour and warmth. Burne-Jones, a key figure in the Aesthetic Movement, renders the scene with a dreamlike quality, characteristic of his Symbolist style. The composition is carefully balanced, with the newly animated Galatea reaching out to Pygmalion, doves symbolising love and devotion fluttering around her feet. The muted colour palette and soft lighting enhance the ethereal atmosphere, while the meticulous detail in the figures' drapery and expressions reflects Burne-Jones's Pre-Raphaelite influences. This print offers a touch of classical romance and artistic sophistication to any space, perfect for creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere in a living room, study, or bedroom. Its timeless beauty and allegorical depth make it a captivating addition to any art collection, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of love, creation, and the transformative power of art.