Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)
King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid
1884
Oil on canvas, 293.4 x 135.9 cm
Tate Britain, London
This work was based on Alfred Tennyson‘s poem ‘The Beggar Maid’. King Cophetua of Ethiopia falls in love with Penelophon, a young woman he sees begging for money. They marry, and she becomes Queen. This work was considered Burne-Jones’s greatest achievement. Critics praised it for its technical skill and for the message that love is more important than wealth and power. Through this painting and its reproduction as a print, Burne-Jones became seen in Europe as the most important symbolist painter of his generation. (Tate)
Studies:
Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)
King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid
1862
Tate Britain, London
Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)
Study of a head
s.d.
National Museum Wales, Cardiff
See also:
• Tennyson, Alfred (1809-1892)