A preparotory sketch for a series of four paintings based on an episode from William Morris' cycle of epic poems, 'The Earthly Paradise'. The first series is currently in the collection of Lord Lloyd-Webber, the second series are in Birmingham's collection.

The overall composition of this sketch and the two later oils are basically the same, with a few minor differences. The first is the vase to the left of Pygmalion's hand, which does not appear in either oil version. Also, the sculpture has a sprig of myrtle or laurel in her hands, which Burne-Jones has omitted from its oil counterparts. Lastly, this study lacks a fountain seen through the window in the centre of the drawing, and the circular pattern of the glass is continued throughout the window, rather than just comprising a third of the window panes as in the paintings.