The Beguiling of Merlin by Edward Burne-Jones (Interpretation and Analysis)

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The Beguiling of Merlin by Edward Burne-Jones
The Beguiling of Merlin
Source: Wikimedia Commons
In my opinion, the art of the pre-Raphaelite movement is among the most objectively beautiful to ever be produced.

The pre-Raphaelite movement was inspired by a desire to create serious and realistic art that was also pleasing to the eye. Pre-Raphaelite painters were not interested in “trivial” scenes of everyday life. Instead, they believed art should portray “serious” subjects, such as literature, poetry, mythology, and history. In particular, they drew inspiration from medieval art and topics, as can be seen in The Beguiling of Merlin, one of Edward Burne-Jones’ great masterpieces.

According to my research, the piece depicts a scene from the Arthurian legend in which Merlin has been seduced by the famed Lady of the Lake, Nimue. According to the stories, Nimue withheld her love from Merlin until he taught her the secrets of his magic. Once she had learned all she could, she trapped him in the trunk of a hawthorn tree. Burne-Jones captures this moment, showing Merlin helplessly entangled in the hawthorn while Nimue reads from a book of spells.

Although this should, by rights. be a dramatic moment, Burne-Jones envisions a rather different scene. An air of calm reigns here. Merlin, although he will be trapped forever, seems resigned to his fate, while Nimue seems almost girlishly innocent, as if she herself is surprised by what she has done. Pre-Raphaelite art generally does not seek to convey strong emotion, nevertheless there is a moment of psychological truth in this painting. Here, Burne-Jones examines desire, power, and betrayal, exploring the complex relationship between the two characters and all it entails. All the narrative tension is held in the space between their faces, gaining its power from their interlocking gazes.

However, it is Burne-Jones’ compositional choices that make the painting so beautiful. Merlin and Nimue are lithe, graceful figures. Nimue herself is tall and statuesque, and her pose makes her look almost like a sculpture. The cool color scheme also adds an air of calm dignity. It is an engaging and beautiful painting, a true tribute to the Pre-Raphaelite movement and Edward Burne-Jones’ great artistic skill.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.

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