Vespertina Quies

This picture evokes a mood of contemplation and stillness. Its Latin title means 'Evening Quiet'.Edward Burne-Jones is believed to have employed a model named Elizabeth Keene, who he invited to watch him work on the painting. She is seen in a three-quarter view leaning on a balustrade a pose derived from portraits by Italian Renaissance artists. These had greatly impressed Burne-Jones on his second visit to Italy with John Ruskin, in 1862.