The Wheel of Fortune - Edward Burne-Jones
Archival giclée
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Description
A large-scale allegorical work by Edward Burne-Jones, depicting the goddess Fortuna and the cyclical nature of human destiny.
The Wheel of Fortune is a large-scale oil painting by the British artist Edward Burne-Jones. It depicts the classical allegory of Fortuna, the goddess of luck, who stands to the left of a massive, rotating wooden wheel. Three male figures are bound to the wheel, representing the arbitrary nature of human destiny. The figures are rendered with a sculptural quality, reflecting the artist's interest in the Italian Renaissance masters, particularly Michelangelo.
Burne-Jones employs a muted, monochromatic palette that emphasises the physical forms of the figures and the heavy, textured drapery of the goddess. The composition is vertical and tightly packed, creating a sense of inevitability. The goddess remains impassive, her gaze directed away from the men she controls. The figures on the wheel are shown in various states of submission, their bodies twisted to fit the circular frame. This work is characteristic of the later Pre-Raphaelite style, which moved away from the bright colours of the movement's early years toward a more melancholic and symbolic aesthetic.
The painting explores themes of power, fate, and the cyclical nature of life. By stripping away extraneous detail, Burne-Jones focuses the viewer on the tension between the static, monumental figure of Fortune and the dynamic, suffering men. The work was commissioned by Arthur Balfour and remains one of the most recognised examples of Burne-Jones's mature period. The artist's attention to anatomical detail and his careful handling of light and shadow create a sense of depth and weight, grounding the allegorical subject in a tangible reality. This print captures the subtle tonal gradations and the precise draughtsmanship of the original canvas, offering a clear view of the artist's technical approach to narrative painting.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
The Wheel of Fortune - Edward Burne-Jones
Artist Biography
Edward Burne Jones
Though closely associated with Rossetti, Burne-Jones forged his own distinct path, drawing inspiration from Arthurian romances, classical mythology, and the burgeoning Symbolist movement. His works, such as 'The Beguiling of Merlin' and 'King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid', are not mere illustrations but rather explorations of complex emotional states and timeless human dramas. He embraced decorative arts, designing stained glass, tapestries, and mosaics, believing in the unity of art and life.
Burne-Jones's influence extended far beyond his own lifetime. His emphasis on beauty, imagination, and the evocative power of art paved the way for the Aesthetic movement and later Symbolist painters. Collecting a Burne-Jones print allows one to bring a touch of medieval romance and ethereal beauty into the everyday, a reminder of the power of art to transport and transform.
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