The Council Chamber - Edward Burne-Jones
Archival giclée
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Description
A scene from the Briar Rose series, depicting the king and his council frozen in a magical, eternal sleep.
The Council Chamber is a major component of the Briar Rose series, a cycle of paintings depicting the legend of Sleeping Beauty. Edward Burne-Jones worked on this ambitious project for over two decades, refining the narrative of a kingdom frozen in time by a magical slumber. The composition captures the moment the king and his advisors succumb to the spell, suspended in a state of eternal rest amidst the encroaching briars.
Burne-Jones employs a muted, atmospheric palette to convey the stillness of the scene. The figures are draped in heavy, voluminous fabrics, their poses suggesting a sudden cessation of activity. The king, seated upon his throne, holds a staff, his posture slumped in sleep. Beside him, an hourglass marks the passage of time that no longer affects the inhabitants of the chamber. The thorny vines of the briar rose weave through the architecture, symbolising the barrier between the outside world and the enchanted interior.
The painting reflects the artist's interest in medieval romance and Arthurian myth. Unlike his earlier, more literal Pre-Raphaelite works, this piece leans into a dreamlike, symbolic quality. The attention to detail in the drapery and the architectural elements demonstrates the artist's meticulous approach to composition. By focusing on the psychological weight of the suspended moment, Burne-Jones creates a sense of quietude that permeates the entire canvas. This work remains a primary example of his late-career focus on mythological themes, where the narrative is secondary to the creation of a mood. The figures appear as if they are part of the room itself, integrated into the decorative scheme through the careful arrangement of colour and form.
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Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
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Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
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Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
The Council Chamber - Edward Burne-Jones
Artist Biography
Edward Burne Jones
Though closely associated with Rossetti, Burne-Jones forged his own distinct path, drawing inspiration from Arthurian romances, classical mythology, and the burgeoning Symbolist movement. His works, such as 'The Beguiling of Merlin' and 'King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid', are not mere illustrations but rather explorations of complex emotional states and timeless human dramas. He embraced decorative arts, designing stained glass, tapestries, and mosaics, believing in the unity of art and life.
Burne-Jones's influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. His emphasis on beauty, imagination, and the evocative power of art paved the way for the Aesthetic movement and later Symbolist painters. Collecting a Burne-Jones print allows one to bring a touch of medieval romance and ethereal beauty into the everyday, a reminder of the power of art to transport and transform.
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