Description
The painting The Baleful Head by Edward Burne-Jones is an incredibly intriguing and mysterious work. Originally 155 x 130 cm in size, this masterpiece of Victorian art features a unique composition and highly distinctive artistic style.
The painting features a decapitated and bloody human head, which is located in the center of the composition. The head is surrounded by a series of symbolic elements, such as a snake that coils around its neck and a crown of thorns that encircles its forehead.
Burne-Jones' artistic style is very evident in this painting. His graceful, streamlined forms, as well as his use of soft, muted colors, are hallmarks of his style. Additionally, the painting features a great deal of intricate detail, making it a highly detailed and meticulously executed work of art.
The story behind this painting is equally fascinating. Burne-Jones is believed to have been inspired by the legend of the head of Medusa, a mythological figure said to have the power to turn people to stone just by looking at it. The decapitated head in the Burne-Jones painting has a similar effect, as it appears to have a dangerous and evil power.
Despite its beauty and distinctive artistic style, The Baleful Head is an often overlooked work in art history. Yet this painting is one of Burne-Jones' most interesting and enigmatic works, and is a testament to the talent and creativity of one of the most important artists of the 19th century.