Troy Triptych – Study for Love subduing Oblivion Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The composition presents a striking vertical arrangement dominated by a central figure and a complex interplay of light and shadow. A muscular male figure, possessing prominent wings, occupies the foreground. He stands in a contrapposto pose, his weight shifted onto one leg, creating a dynamic sense of movement despite his apparent stillness. His gaze is directed upwards, suggesting an aspiration or contemplation beyond the immediate scene. The artist has rendered his body with meticulous attention to anatomical detail, emphasizing strength and vitality.
Below this central figure lies a chaotic accumulation of reclining forms. These individuals appear languid, defeated, and seemingly lost in slumber. Their postures are relaxed, almost dissolving into the ground plane, conveying a sense of apathy or oblivion. The color palette for these figures is muted, primarily consisting of earthy tones that contribute to their impression of dormancy.
To the right, partially obscured by the central figure, appears a wheeled structure – possibly a chariot – rendered in cooler blues and greys. This element introduces an additional layer of symbolic complexity, potentially representing progress, fate, or the relentless march of time. The wheel’s presence contrasts sharply with the stillness of the figures below, suggesting a force that continues its course regardless of their state.
The lighting within the painting is dramatic. A strong light source illuminates the central figure from above and slightly to the left, highlighting his musculature and casting deep shadows across the lower portion of the composition. This contrast intensifies the sense of separation between the active, winged man and the passive figures below.
Subtly, a narrative seems to unfold. The upright figure appears to be actively resisting or overcoming the pervasive state of oblivion represented by the reclining forms. His posture suggests an exertion of will, a triumph over inertia. The wings imply a connection to a higher realm, perhaps symbolizing hope, inspiration, or divine intervention. The overall effect is one of struggle and resilience – a depiction of love or passion battling against the forces of forgetfulness and decay. The painting explores themes of vitality versus stagnation, consciousness versus unconsciousness, and potentially, the power of memory and desire to overcome oblivion.