Pygmalion and the Image series which dates back to 1867–1870, used harsher tones, darker colours and less fluid lines – as may be seen in the Gallery below. This second version, despite being painted in oils, has the sheen and soft tones of chalk. The story tells of Pygmalion, a sculptor of Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite. It was first related in Ovid's "Metamorphoses", although by the time of this series, William Morris had written his own version of the story. Pygmalion is seen here in his studio, pondering his lonely life, having chosen to remain celibate in disgust at what he saw as the
Pygmalion; or, The Statue Fair Pygmalion; or, The Statue Fair Pygmalion; or, The Statue Fair is a play by William Brough that was advertised as a musical burlesque. It was first produced in 1867, and revived in March 1872. Described as having a complex plot that largely involves changing social status through matrimony, the story revolves around a young sculptor, Pygmalion, who creates a young lady out of marble and falls in love with her. She is then brought to life through the divine intervention of the Greek Goddess, Aphrodite. All this is true to the original tale narrated by the fictional hero Orpheus as