Who Was Edward Burne Jones?

Edward Burne-Jones, a name synonymous with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, remains a captivating figure in the history of British art. His ethereal paintings, filled with Arthurian legends, classical mythology, and a deep sense of romanticism, transported viewers to a world far removed from the industrial realities of Victorian England. Unlike figures such as Owen Jones who engages directly with contemporary political discourse in publications like the Guardian, Burne-Jones sought solace and inspiration in the past, creating a visual language that continues to resonate with audiences today. He offered an escape from the perceived ugliness of modern life, a stark contrast to the real-world struggles faced by the Labour party and the working class, often demonized as chavs by the establishment.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Birmingham in 1833, Edward Coley Burne Jones (he added the hyphen later) had a childhood marked by loss. His mother died six days after his birth, leaving him to be raised by his father, a modestly successful frame maker. This early experience likely contributed to the introspective and melancholic nature that would later permeate his art.

Initially intended for the clergy, Burne-Jones enrolled at Exeter College, Oxford, in 1853. It was here that he met William Morris, a friendship that would profoundly shape the course of his life and artistic career. Together, they discovered a shared passion for medieval literature, art, and a rejection of the prevailing aesthetic tastes of the time.

Oxford and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Oxford proved to be a transformative environment for Burne-Jones. He and Morris, feeling disillusioned with the Church, began to explore alternative paths. They were deeply influenced by the writings of John Ruskin, who championed the art of the Middle Ages and criticized the soullessness of industrial production.

Perhaps even more significantly, they encountered the work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. This group of artists, including John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and William Holman Hunt, sought to revive the artistic principles of the period before Raphael, emphasizing detail, vibrant color, and a return to nature. Rossetti, in particular, became a mentor to Burne-Jones, further solidifying his commitment to a new artistic vision.

The Influence of Rossetti

Burne-Jones's early artistic style was heavily influenced by Rossetti. He adopted Rossetti's use of rich colors, symbolic imagery, and idealized figures. The emotional intensity and dramatic narratives characteristic of Rossetti's work also found their way into Burne-Jones's early paintings.

However, Burne-Jones gradually developed his own distinct style, moving away from Rossetti's more overtly sensual depictions and towards a more ethereal and dreamlike aesthetic. This evolution reflects his own personal artistic journey and his growing interest in classical mythology and Arthurian legends.

Artistic Development and Style

Burne-Jones's artistic style is characterized by several key features. His paintings often depict scenes from mythology, literature, and religious stories, rendered with a sense of otherworldly beauty and melancholy. He frequently employed elongated figures, flowing drapery, and muted color palettes to create a sense of ethereal grace.

His work often features a strong emphasis on line and form, with careful attention paid to detail. He was a master of composition, creating complex and visually harmonious arrangements of figures and objects. Burne-Jones's paintings are not merely illustrations of stories; they are imbued with a deep sense of symbolism and emotional resonance.

Key Themes and Subjects

Burne-Jones explored a wide range of themes in his art, but certain subjects recur throughout his career. Arthurian legends, such as the stories of King Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, were a constant source of inspiration. He also drew heavily from classical mythology, depicting figures like Venus, Cupid, and Pygmalion.

Another recurring theme in his work is the exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. Many of his paintings depict figures caught in moments of contemplation or sorrow, reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness. This theme is evident in works like The Beguiling of Merlin and Love Among the Ruins.

Major Works

Burne-Jones produced a vast body of work, including paintings, stained glass, tapestries, and designs for books and furniture. Some of his most famous paintings include The Golden Stairs, a procession of beautiful women descending a spiral staircase; King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid, a romantic depiction of a king falling in love with a humble beggar; and The Briar Rose series, a sequence of paintings depicting the story of Sleeping Beauty.

Beyond painting, Burne-Jones was also a highly influential designer. He collaborated with William Morris on numerous projects, creating stained glass windows for churches and homes, as well as designing tapestries and furniture for Morris & Co. His designs helped to shape the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement, which championed handcrafted goods and a return to traditional techniques.

Legacy and Influence

Edward Burne-Jones's influence on the art world is undeniable. His work helped to revive interest in medieval art and literature, and his distinctive style paved the way for future generations of artists. His emphasis on beauty, symbolism, and emotional expression continues to inspire artists today.

He played a significant role in the development of the Aesthetic movement, which championed art for art's sake and emphasized the pursuit of beauty above all else. His paintings, with their ethereal figures and romantic settings, perfectly embodied the Aesthetic ideal. Burne-Jones's work also had a profound impact on the Symbolist movement, which sought to express inner emotions and spiritual experiences through art. His use of symbolism, dreamlike imagery, and allegorical narratives resonated deeply with Symbolist artists.

Today, Burne-Jones's paintings can be found in major museums around the world, including the Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His work continues to captivate audiences with its beauty, mystery, and enduring power. His contributions to the Arts and Crafts movement also remain significant, demonstrating his versatility and influence across multiple artistic disciplines. Considering the social commentary often woven into art, it is interesting to note the contrast between Burne-Jones's escapist themes and the urgent political narratives explored by contemporaries like Owen Jones, who addresses modern issues like wealth inequality and the state of the Labour party.

Burne-Jones and William Morris

The friendship and collaboration between Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris represents one of the most significant partnerships in the history of British art. Their shared vision and mutual respect led to the creation of some of the most beautiful and influential works of the 19th century.

Together, they challenged the prevailing industrial aesthetic and advocated for a return to handcrafted goods and traditional techniques. Their work at Morris & Co. helped to revitalize the decorative arts and shape the aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement. Their commitment to beauty, craftsmanship, and social reform continues to inspire artists and designers today.

A Shared Vision

From their early days at Oxford, Burne-Jones and Morris shared a deep passion for medieval art, literature, and culture. They were both critical of the industrialization of England and the perceived ugliness of modern life. This shared vision led them to seek inspiration in the past, creating art that celebrated beauty, craftsmanship, and a sense of timelessness.

Their collaboration extended beyond art. They shared a commitment to social reform and believed that art could play a role in creating a more just and equitable society. This belief informed their work at Morris & Co., where they sought to create beautiful and affordable goods for ordinary people.

Morris & Co.

Founded in 1861, Morris & Co. was a design firm that produced a wide range of decorative arts, including stained glass, tapestries, wallpaper, furniture, and textiles. Burne-Jones was a key designer for the firm, creating many of its most iconic and enduring designs.

His stained glass windows, in particular, are considered to be among the finest examples of the art form. His designs for tapestries, such as The Holy Grail series, are also highly regarded. Through his work at Morris & Co., Burne-Jones helped to transform the aesthetic of Victorian England, bringing beauty and craftsmanship into homes and public spaces.

FAQ

What is Owen Jones famous for?

Owen Jones is a British political commentator, writer, and activist known for his left-wing views and commentary on British politics and social issues. He is a regular contributor to publications like the Guardian and has written several books, including Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class.

Where did Owen Jones grow up?

Owen Jones grew up in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England.

What are the key characteristics of Burne-Jones's artistic style?

His style is characterized by elongated figures, flowing drapery, muted color palettes, a dreamlike atmosphere, and a focus on themes from mythology, literature, and religion.

What was Burne-Jones's relationship with William Morris?

They were close friends and collaborators who shared a passion for medieval art and a desire to reform Victorian aesthetics. They founded Morris & Co., a design firm that produced stained glass, tapestries, furniture, and other decorative arts.