The Sleep of King Arthur in Avalon (1881-1898)

Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)

The Sleep of King Arthur in Avalon
18811898
Oil on canvas, 279.4 × 650.2 cm
Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce

According to Thomas Malory‘s “Le Morte d’Arthur” (1470), King Arthur suffered a fatal wound in a battle against Mordred. He was later taken to the magical island of Avalon, where he fell into a deep slumber meant to last until summoned to return to earth once more. Burne-Jones was commissioned this work in 1881 by George Howard, who wished to decorate his personal library with an Arthurian subject. However, seeing that Burn-Jones became so involved with the work, he withdrew the commission and the artist continued working on it for over twenty years, succumbing to illness before finishing the monumental painting. (MAP)

Studies:

Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)
The Sleep of King Arthur in Avalon
c.1881
Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce

 

 

Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)
King Arthur at Avalon
s.d.
National Museum WalesCardiff

 

 

Compare:

Burne-Jones, Edward (1833-1898)
The Garden Court
18701875
Cleveland Museum of ArtCleveland

 

 

See also:

• Malory, Sir Thomas (c.1415-1471)