For my second post, I thought I would choose a fine artist who I have loved for years. Edward Coley Burne Jones has been a favourite artist of mine for a long time – in fact since my own Art History teacher showed me some images of different Victorian paintings, some of which were the amazing Pre Raphaelites, one of whom was Burne Jones. Burne-Jones’ beautiful medieval maidens and mythological scenes really appealed to my younger self and the love of the PRB has stayed with me ever since. I even used them as the inspiration for my final year dissertation at university. Along with his fellow artists, Burne-Jones was drawn to the myths and legends of King Arthur and many of his pieces are inspired by them. I am really lucky to live near to several galleries which hold in their collections many of the paintings of the Pre Rephaelite Brotherhood. It is so great to be able to get really close to them and I try to do so as often as I can!

The Beguiling of Merlin encapsulates everything that is great about this artist’s work – a mythological theme, beautiful, emotional, dreamlike figures and amazingly rendered flora, hence my choosing to show it here. Burne-Jones often used what I call a “muddy” palette – natural, almost sludgy tones that reflected the natural world that he and his fellow artists tried to portray. They are palettes I am drawn to myself.

I am also totally in awe of Burne-Jones’ beautiful pencil “cartoons” – preparatory studies for later, larger pieces. The studies of these heads I find so beautiful…how much I wish I had one hanging on my wall, or that I was able to produce something similar myself. They look like ethereal beings from another land!

Burne-Jones also often produced scenes from the bible. This one of the Nativity has a peaceful dreamy quality to it and looks like it is lit by heavenly light (which it must have been!) I think it is beautiful. I love the inclusion of the lettering and the angels have a human-like quality to them that makes them more realistic. I think it is because they are standing, not airborne.

I could go on for ever, extolling the virtues of this artist…a couple more images to finish. Greek myths were also an inspiration, as this one of Perseus and the Sea-Nymphs shows. Burne-Jones is also well known as a highly accomplished stained glass artist, not only a painter. His work can be seen in many religious buildings throughout the UK. Finally, An Angel playing a Flageolet to send us off in style. Thank you Mr Burne-Jones for the years of pleasure you have given us!