Figure of Pilgrim in Romaunt of the Rose c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones rendered this drawing of a pilgrim in pencil, illustrating the ‘Romaunt of the Rose’. This figure, draped in flowing robes and a simple hood, presents us with hands open in a gesture of supplication. Consider this pose, echoing across time. In antiquity, it appears in depictions of orators and supplicants, a plea for mercy or attention. In Christian art, it transforms into a symbol of devotion and prayer. Think of the raised hands in early Christian frescoes, or the devout figures in Renaissance paintings. But here, the pilgrim’s gesture is more ambiguous. Is it an act of faith, a plea for guidance, or perhaps an offering? This ambiguity invites us to reflect on the nature of pilgrimage itself – a journey of both physical and spiritual transformation. As the pilgrim extends his hands, he confronts us with our own desires and our own uncertainties. The symbol of open hands persists, evolving through time. It resurfaces in modern contexts, signifying vulnerability, openness, or a yearning for connection. This symbol has evolved, yet its essence remains, a testament to our shared human experience of seeking, questioning, and longing for something beyond ourselves.