Pygmalion and the Image: III The Godhead Fires

Edward Burne-Jones

Date: 1875-78 

Materials: Oil on canvas

In the first version of the subject, the figure of Pygmalion is seen in the background; the later design concentrates on the magical moment of transformation.

It was enthusiastically praised by the 'Art Journal' in 1879: "We can scarcely imagine the story of Pygmalion being told more beautifully, and the canvas on which we see Venus imparting to Galatea the gift of life is worthy of Raphael".