The artwork, titled “Pygmalion and the Image I: The Heart Desires,” was created by Edward Burne-Jones between 1875 and 1878. It is an oil painting on canvas that belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of mythological painting. This piece is part of the “Pygmalion” series and is currently housed in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham, UK.
In the artwork, a central female figure stands deep in thought, gazing towards a set of three intertwining statues in the background, which appear to have come alive. Her contemplative posture and the wistful expression suggest a yearning or unfulfilled desire, mirroring the mythological theme of Pygmalion and Galatea. The left side of the composition reveals two nearby onlookers curiously peering into the scene, adding a layer of narrative and scrutiny. The setting is rendered with meticulous attention to architectural details, creating a space that enhances the overall atmosphere of longing and enchantment. The soft, muted color palette and the elegant drapery of the woman’s gown contribute to the ethereal and romantic quality of the painting.
