Study of Fortune for ‘The Wheel of Fortune’
A hand-painted replica of Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones’s masterpiece Study of Fortune for ‘The Wheel of Fortune’, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
The Study of Fortune for ‘The Wheel of Fortune’ is a preparatory drawing by the British artist Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (1833–1898). Burne-Jones was a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which sought to revive the detailed, vibrant, and symbolic art of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. This study was created as part of the artist's preparatory work for his larger oil painting The Wheel of Fortune, completed in 1883.
The drawing depicts the allegorical figure of Fortune, a central character in the final painting. In classical and medieval traditions, Fortune was often personified as a woman who spins a great wheel, determining the rise and fall of individuals’ fates. Burne-Jones’s interpretation of this theme reflects his interest in mythology, allegory, and the human condition. The study focuses on the figure of Fortune, emphasizing her pose, drapery, and expression, which convey a sense of inevitability and detachment. This preparatory work demonstrates Burne-Jones’s meticulous approach to composition and his commitment to refining his ideas before executing the final painting.
The Study of Fortune is executed in pencil and chalk, showcasing Burne-Jones’s skill in draftsmanship. The delicate lines and shading highlight the artist’s ability to capture both the physical form and the symbolic weight of the figure. Such studies were a crucial part of Burne-Jones’s creative process, allowing him to experiment with the arrangement of figures and the emotional tone of his works.
The final painting, The Wheel of Fortune, is one of Burne-Jones’s most celebrated works and is housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. It portrays Fortune turning her wheel, with three figures—representing a king, a slave, and a poet—clinging to it as their fates are determined. The preparatory study provides insight into Burne-Jones’s artistic process and his exploration of themes related to destiny and the transient nature of human power and achievement.
The Study of Fortune is now held in a private or institutional collection, though specific details about its current location or provenance are not widely documented. It remains an important example of Burne-Jones’s preparatory work and his broader engagement with allegorical and symbolic subjects.
