The Briar Rose Series – Study for ‘The Garden Court’ II 1889

Edward Burne-Jones created this study for ‘The Garden Court’ II of ‘The Briar Rose’ series in 1889. As part of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Burne-Jones was deeply influenced by medieval and Renaissance themes which can be clearly seen in his depiction of this figure from Sleeping Beauty. Yet, his imagery often diverged from traditional Victorian narratives, opting to explore themes of longing and altered states of consciousness. Here, the figure is captured in a moment of quietude, her face pressed against a wall, embodying both physical and emotional isolation. Her bare feet suggest a vulnerability, a lack of readiness for the outside world. The tendrils encroaching from the background hint at the all-encompassing nature of the enchanted sleep. Burne-Jones uses this symbolism to evoke a world where the boundaries between reality and dream blur. His Briar Rose paintings invite us to reflect on themes of time, memory, and the complex nature of human experience.