King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid
Edward Burne-Jones · 1884
Why it's great
A king sits on the steps of his throne, wearing golden armor, gazing up at a barefoot beggar girl who holds a flower. According to a legend, he fell in love with her and made her his queen. Burne-Jones painted a glittering, richly decorated scene. It's a fairy tale in paint.
Where to see it
📍 Tate BritainLondon, United Kingdom
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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Edward Burne-Jones was born in Birmingham, England, and moved to London to become an artist. He was part of the second wave of Pre-Raphaelites and also designed stained glass and tapestries with William Morris. His dreamy paintings were inspired by medieval legends and myths. He was made a baronet and died in London in 1898.
