The artwork “Days of Creation, The 3rd Day” is a watercolor and gouache painting by Edward Burne-Jones, created between 1870 and 1876. The painting belongs to the Romanticism art movement and measures 102.1 by 35.9 cm. This piece is part of the religious genre and is included in Burne-Jones’ series titled “The Days of Creation.” The artwork is housed at the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork depicts a scene rich in intricate detail and symbolism, characteristic of Burne-Jones’ style. Central to the composition are three ethereal figures, angelic in appearance, holding a large, circular object that features a delicate representation of vegetation. Their garments resemble flowing feathers, creating a sense of movement and continuity. The ethereal and otherworldly quality of the figures, combined with the meticulous depiction of nature, embodies the Romanticist ideals of beauty and transcendence. The piece reflects the narrative of the third day of creation as described in religious texts, focusing on the budding emergence of plant life.
