Ernest Burne Jones Paintings

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, 1st Baronet, was a British artist and designer closely associated with the later phase of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Burne-Jones was born on August 28, 1833, in Birmingham, England. He attended Exeter College, Oxford, where he intended to study theology. However, his life took a significant turn when he met artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Under Rossetti’s influence, Burne-Jones decided to pursue a career in art.

Burne-Jones became a key figure in the world of Victorian art, creating a range of works including painting, stained glass, and tapestry designs. His style was characterized by its dreamlike quality and medieval romanticism, drawing inspiration from mythological and literary sources. One of his most notable contributions was to the revival of the medieval stained glass tradition in England, through his work with the firm Morris & Co., founded by his lifelong friend, the artist and designer William Morris.

Throughout his career, Burne-Jones’s work displayed a fascination with Arthurian legends, classical mythology, and fairy tales. His paintings often portrayed figures in languid poses set in otherworldly landscapes. Notable works include 'The Beguiling of Merlin', 'The Golden Stairs', and the series of paintings and tapestries known as 'The Briar Rose'.

Despite his association with the Pre-Raphaelites, Burne-Jones was never formally a member of the Brotherhood. He established his unique artistic identity, which later influenced the European Symbolists and played a pivotal role in the Aesthetic Movement. His works were celebrated for their sensuousness and their departure from the moral narratives prevalent in Victorian art.

Burne-Jones was also involved in the Arts and Crafts Movement, advocating for the importance of craftsmanship and design in an era of growing industrialization. His commitment to beauty and craftsmanship had a lasting influence on both fine art and decorative arts.

Sir Edward Burne-Jones was knighted in 1894, a significant honor that recognized his contributions to the art world. He passed away on June 17, 1898. Today, his works are held in collections worldwide and continue to be studied and admired for their rich symbolism, intricate detail, and emotive power.