Edward Burne-Jones (British painter and designer) 1833 - 1898
Sponsa de Libano (Bride of Lebanon), 1891
gouache and tempera on paper
332.5 x 155.5 cm. (130.9 in × 61.2 in.)
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, United Kingdom
This scene is based on the biblical 'Song of Solomon'. It shows the North and South winds blowing, as requested by King Solomon, on his bride of Lebanon. Despite this being a rather voluptuous biblical episode, Burne-Jones emphasizes the languorous dream-like and chaste nature of the bride. She is shown surrounded by lilies, symbolic of virginity.
Burne-Jones's figure style is inspired by Botticelli, the Italian Renaissance artist. The flat, decorative and linear treatment is similar to stained glass or tapestry. In fact, an earlier design for a tapestry was the basis of this painting.
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The painting is based on extracts from the Song of Solomon in the Bible.
"Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse ..."
"Awake, O north wind; and come thou south; blow upon my garden ..."
It shows the bride walking in the garden with female personifications of the two winds blowing towards her. On each side of the bride are white lilies, symbolising her virginity. The pose of the bride is inspired by Botticelli's figures. The painting is based on an earlier design by Burne-Jones for a tapestry.
The model was a twelve-year old Jewish girl, who modelled for both winds, and was told to "look wild and blow with your lips". The study is now held by the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, Merseyside.
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