Phyllis and Demophon - Edward Burne-Jones

A mythological scene by Edward Burne-Jones depicting the embrace of Phyllis and Demophon, rendered in watercolour and gouache.

Phyllis and Demophon, executed in 1870, represents a significant moment in the career of Edward Burne-Jones. The work depicts a scene from Greek mythology: the Thracian princess Phyllis, who has transformed into an almond tree, embraces her lover Demophon. The composition focuses on the physical entanglement of the two figures, with Phyllis emerging from the trunk of the tree to clasp Demophon from behind. Her expression is one of longing and sorrow, while Demophon appears startled, his body angled away in a dynamic, twisting posture.

Burne-Jones utilised a muted palette of earthy browns, deep greens, and soft flesh tones to render the figures. The application of watercolour and gouache allows for a delicate handling of the skin and the flowing drapery that partially obscures the figures. The background is sparse, suggesting a woodland setting without distracting from the central interaction. This work is characteristic of the artist's interest in classical themes and his tendency to imbue mythological subjects with a sense of melancholy and romantic tension.

Upon its initial exhibition at the Old Water-Colour Society, the painting caused a minor scandal due to the nudity of the figures. Critics of the period found the depiction of the male figure, in particular, to be overly explicit for the time. Consequently, Burne-Jones withdrew the work from public view for several years. It remains a clear example of the artist's technical skill in handling the human form and his ability to translate ancient narratives into a visual language that resonated with the aesthetic sensibilities of the late Victorian era. The work demonstrates his preference for elongated proportions and a dreamlike, atmospheric quality that defines much of his output during this period.