Ariadne 1863 - 1864

Edward Burne-Jones created this drawing of Ariadne with graphite and colored chalk, exploring a classical subject through the lens of Victorian aesthetics. The choice of materials here speaks volumes. Graphite, a humble material, is used to build the figure's form, while colored chalk adds subtle warmth to her drapery. This combination isn't about grand gestures but quiet refinement. Burne-Jones’s method recalls the Italian Renaissance practice of *disegno*, which privileged drawing as a foundation for all artistic creation. It emphasizes the intellectual labor involved in design, as a counterpoint to the physical labor of production, neatly aligning with the Arts and Crafts movement's ambition to reunite art and labor. The soft, flowing lines create a dreamlike quality, emphasizing the inner life of Ariadne. This focus on emotion and interiority over outward display reflects a broader shift in Victorian art towards psychological depth. By choosing drawing, a medium often seen as preparatory, Burne-Jones elevates the status of craft. He invites us to appreciate the skill and thought behind the final product.