Pygmalion and the Image

Name: Pygmalion and the Image
Author: William Morris

By William Morris

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

About This Book

The poem recounts an artist who carves an idealized woman, growing from admiration to consuming love for his own handiwork. Unable to find satisfaction among living companions, he devotes himself to the image until he beseeches the goddess of love for aid; through divine intervention the statue awakens and becomes a living woman, and the artist's longing is fulfilled in marriage. Alongside the narrative, the verse explores themes of creative obsession, the blurred boundary between artifice and life, the spiritual dimension of craftsmanship, and the transformative power of love, all rendered in rich, decorative language that blends classical myth with medieval romantic sensibility.

About the Author

William Morris

William Morris (1834-1896) was an English novelist, poet, and designer, renowned for his contributions to the Arts and Crafts Movement. His literary works often reflect his socialist ideals and a deep appreciation for medieval culture. Among his notable writings is "News from Nowhere," a utopian romance that envisions a future society based on cooperation and communal living. Morris was also a prolific poet, with collections such as "A Selection from the Poems of William Morris" showcasing his lyrical prowess. In addition to his literary achievements, he was a skilled designer and craftsman, influencing the decorative arts and advocating for the revival of traditional craftsmanship.