Pygmalion And The Image - The Godhead Fires

The painting "Pygmalion and the Image - The Godhead Fires" by Edward Burne-Jones is a visually striking piece that is part of a series illustrating the story of Pygmalion from Ovid's Metamorphoses. In the myth, Pygmalion is a sculptor who falls in love with a statue he has carved. Displeased with real women, his creation becomes the focus of his love, and he prays to Venus, the goddess of love, to bring the statue to life.The image you've shared showcases the moment of transformation where the lifeless statue becomes a living woman. The painting is rich with symbolic and romanticized elements typical of the Pre-Raphaelite style, which Burne-Jones was associated with. The use of vibrant colors, attention to detail, and emotional depth are evident.In the painting, the statue, draped in a flowing gown, appears to be stepping down from her pedestal, subtly indicating her transition from statue to living being. Her expression is serene and somewhat ethereal, suggesting purity and new life. Pygmalion reaches out to her with a gesture of awe and affection, his posture reflecting his amazement and deep love. His physical form contrasts with that of the newly animated figure; he is depicted nude, symbolizing both vulnerability and the raw human emotion of love.The setting includes a background of a richly adorned room with classical architectural elements, giving the scene a timeless quality.