The Beguiling of Merlin
Edward Burne-Jones Β· 1872
Why it's great
In the legend of King Arthur, the wizard Merlin is tricked by the enchantress Nimue into a trance. Burne-Jones painted the pair among a dark and tangled forest. The rich colors and details are like a medieval tapestry. It's a prime example of Victorian fantasy art.
Where to see it
π Lady Lever Art GalleryPort Sunlight, United Kingdom
Open in Maps βHang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
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.




