Study for Pilgrim in Romaunt of the Rose c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones created this pencil study for a pilgrim in Romaunt of the Rose. The figure is defined by simple drapery, bare feet, and open palms, evoking a sense of vulnerability and supplication. The motif of raised, open hands is an ancient gesture, found across cultures from early Christian art, where it signifies prayer and divine appeal, to ancient Egyptian depictions of offering. This gesture appears throughout history, often embodying themes of hope, surrender, or need. Over time, its meaning has been imbued with layers of psychological significance, representing a primal yearning for connection and understanding. There's a profound, almost subconscious appeal. This simple gesture taps into deep-seated human emotions. It reminds us of the continuous thread of human experience that runs through time, constantly revisited and reinterpreted in the symbolic language of art.