La Belle Iseult is a true expression of the intense medieval style loved by the Pre-Raphaelites, with the rich colors, luscious textiles and the emphasis on the decorative elements. The "truth to nature" ethos followed by the artists is characterized by the crumpled sheets on the bed. The painter, William Morris, shared rooms with Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones, and the Turkish rug, Persian embroidered cover and white work hangings used in the picture were probably part of Morris’s collection.

The model, Jane Burden, dressed in a medieval gown, went on to marry William Morris a year later.

Photo © Tate, Creative Commons Licence CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0 (Unported)

Title: 
La Belle Iseult
Maker: 
William Morris
1858
Made in
England, United Kingdom
28.25
19.75
Tate
N04999_10