The Wheel of Fortune Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by a large, central wheel. This monumental structure serves as the focal point and dictates the spatial relationships within the scene. A female figure, draped in flowing grey garments, stands adjacent to the wheels left side. Her posture suggests an active engagement with the depicted event; her hand is raised, seemingly either guiding or restraining the movement of the wheel itself. The expression on her face conveys a complex mixture of contemplation and perhaps even pity.
Attached to the wheel are several male figures in various states of distress. Three are clearly visible, suspended from the spokes by chains. Their bodies are rendered with considerable anatomical detail, emphasizing their physical vulnerability. One figure is positioned upside down at the top of the wheel, his posture conveying a sense of resignation or despair. Another hangs mid-wheel, appearing to struggle against his restraints. The third, located near the bottom, seems to be falling, his body contorted in a gesture of anguish. A smaller, almost grotesque head appears below him, further emphasizing the suffering and precariousness of their situation.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing muted tones of grey, brown, and flesh colors. This limited range contributes to the overall somber mood. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the musculature of the male figures and creating a sense of depth within the composition.
Subtly, the work explores themes of fate, fortune, and human suffering. The wheel itself acts as a potent symbol of cyclical change – an indifferent force that elevates some while casting others down. The female figure’s presence introduces an element of ambiguity; is she a personification of Fortune herself, or perhaps a witness to the unfolding drama? The chained figures represent individuals subjected to this capricious power, their struggles underscoring the fragility of human existence and the inevitability of adversity. The inclusion of the grotesque head at the base suggests a descent into chaos and despair, hinting at the ultimate consequences of fate’s whims. Overall, the painting conveys a profound sense of melancholy and reflects on the precariousness of life in the face of forces beyond individual control.