In 1870 Burne-Jones had planned a suite of ten paintings devoted to the history of ancient Troy: three principal compositions telling the stories of the Judgement of Paris, the Rape of Helen, and the Fall of Troy - allegories of fatal love and its consequences - with smaller panels addressing related themes associated with the capacity of love to overcome all. While The Wheel of Fortune was a subsidiary element within the grand (and unfinished) Troy project, the painting also stands well alone, with its arresting, powerful goddess, Fortuna, turning the figures of a slave, king and poet upon her implacable wheel of destiny.

Burne-Jones worked compulsively upon dozens of paintings at a time, and upon version after version of a favoured motif, in a restless quest for perfection. He executed no fewer than six versions of The Wheel of Fortune, in various media. The National Gallery of Victoria's painting, begun in 1871, was not completed until 1885.

This work may be viewed in the 19th Century painting and sculpture collection at NGV International, St Kilda Road. Edward Burne-Jones's work is reproduced in 19th Century Painting and Sculpture in the International Collections of the National Gallery of Victoria. This handbook is available at the NGV Shop.

Teachers are encouraged to book a tour with VCE Drama classes at NGV Schools Programs on 03 8620 2340/2341