Astarte Sryiaca - 1875-77

      Oil on canvas

          The most important and provocative tribute to Jane Morris, the model for this painting this shows the sensuality combined with the cruel nature of women. And to acompany this piece:

            Mystery: lo! betwixt the sun and moon
            Astarte of the syrians: Venus Queen
            Ere Aphrodite was. In silver sheen
            Her twofold girdle clasps the infinate boon
            Of bliss whereof the heaven and earth commune:
            And from her neck's inclining flower-stem lean
            Love-freighted lips and absolute yes that wean
            The pulse of hearts to the sphres' dominant tune.

            Torch-bearing, her sweet ministers compel
            All thrones of light beyond the sky and sea
            The witnesses of Beauty's face to be:
            That face, of Love's all-penetrative spell
            Amulet, talisman, and oracle, -
            Betwixt the sun and moon a mystery.