Arthur’s last dream in Avalon Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The composition presents a scene steeped in melancholy and otherworldly grace. A central figure lies recumbent upon a bed, seemingly asleep or perhaps nearing death. He is draped in dark fabrics, suggesting mourning or transition, while his posture conveys exhaustion and vulnerability. Above him hovers a spectral female form, clad in flowing white robes; her face is tilted downwards, conveying an expression of sorrowful contemplation or perhaps protective guardianship.
To the left stands another woman, dressed in vibrant crimson garments. Her gaze is directed towards the sleeping figure with a mixture of concern and reverence. She holds what appears to be a staff or scepter, hinting at a position of authority or spiritual significance within this setting. At her feet rests a crown, discarded and seemingly forgotten, symbolizing the relinquishment of power and earthly dominion.
The environment is shrouded in shadow, punctuated by pools of warm light emanating from unseen sources. These lights illuminate specific areas – the sleeping figure’s face, the hovering womans form, and the crimson-clad woman’s expression – drawing attention to key elements within the narrative. Architectural details are visible; pillars and arches frame the scene, creating a sense of enclosure and suggesting a sacred or ceremonial space. A scattering of flowers at the base of the composition introduces a touch of natural beauty amidst the pervasive atmosphere of sorrow.
The subtexts embedded in this painting revolve around themes of mortality, loss, and the transition between worlds. The sleeping figure’s condition suggests an ending – not necessarily death, but a departure from his current existence. The hovering woman likely embodies a spiritual guide or a personification of Avalon, a mythical island often associated with healing and the afterlife. Her presence implies that the man is being transported to another realm. The discarded crown speaks to the ephemeral nature of earthly power and ambition, suggesting a rejection of worldly concerns in favor of something beyond.
The color palette reinforces these themes; the somber tones of the sleeping figure’s attire contrast with the vibrant crimson of the woman beside him, creating visual tension that mirrors the emotional complexity of the scene. The overall effect is one of profound sadness tempered by an underlying sense of hope or transcendence – a poignant depiction of farewell and the promise of renewal.