The Baleful Head

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through a captivating work in our collection: The Baleful Head, painted in 1885 by the renowned Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. This striking piece, measuring 1.29 meters wide and 1.537 meters high, currently resides in the Southampton City Art Gallery. nn The painting immediately draws you in with its enigmatic scene. At the heart of the composition is a dark, hexagonal basin, perhaps a fountain or ritual vessel, containing the submerged heads of three individuals. Their pale faces suggest a state between life and death, or perhaps a trance-like stillness. The basin rests on a decorative base, from which delicate purple and blue flowers sprout, a touch of vibrant color amidst the otherwise muted palette. nn Two figures, a man in armor and a woman in flowing robes, lean over the basin, their hands gently touching the water. The man, possibly a knight, gazes intently at the submerged heads, while the woman's expression is one of quiet contemplation or sorrow. Burne-Jones' masterful use of soft brushstrokes beautifully renders the figures' delicate features and the textures of their garments. nn The background is dominated by a gnarled tree laden with fruit, possibly apples, partially obscuring a third figure with dark hair and a serpent-like crown. This adds to the painting's mysterious and symbolic atmosphere. The overall color palette is subdued, consisting mainly of earth tones – browns, greens, and muted reds – with accents of blue in the basin and the woman's clothing. The soft, diffused light enhances the sense of mystery and tranquility. nn The Baleful Head is a prime example of Burne-Jones' symbolic style, characteristic of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The submerged heads, the fruit-laden tree, and the figures themselves invite contemplation on themes of mortality, fate, and perhaps even a mystical ritual. The painting's power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and leave the viewer pondering its deeper meaning. I encourage you to take your time and let the artwork speak to you.