The King and other Mourners abandon Psyche to the Monster 1881

"The King and Other Mourners Abandon Psyche to the Monster" (1881) by Edward Burne-Jones is a Pre-Raphaelite painting depicting a scene from the myth of Psyche. The composition showcases a group of figures, led by a king and his queen, walking away from a female figure (Psyche) who is facing a monstrous figure on the right side of the artwork. Psyche is abandoned by her family as she faces her fate. The use of muted colors and elongated figures, characteristic of Burne-Jones’ style, create an ethereal and melancholic atmosphere. The artist's interpretation of the myth emphasizes the themes of loss, betrayal, and the fragility of love.