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 (1938 film) controversial line "Not bloody likely!" from the playtext, making Hiller possibly the first person to utter that swear word in a British film and giving rise to adverts for the film reading "Miss Pygmalion? Not ****** likely!". Wendy Hiller was chosen by Shaw to play Eliza Doolittle after she had appeared in stage productions of "Pygmalion" and "Saint Joan" – though the film's initial credits stated that this movie was introducing her, she had in fact already appeared on film in 1937's "Lancashire Luck". Shaw's choice for Higgins had been Charles Laughton. The movie also includes the very first film