Drapery Study; verso: Drapery Study c. 19th century

Curator: Edward Burne-Jones' study of "Drapery," held at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating subject. The composition is simple, yet the forms create dynamic tension. Editor: It’s such a delicate drawing; one almost feels the texture of the fabric. The way light falls across the folds gives it a sculptural quality, don’t you think? Curator: Precisely. Note the use of hatching and cross-hatching to model the form. It's about representing volume through careful mark-making. Editor: I’m more drawn to the sheer labor that must have been involved in creating such detail, the repetitive movements, and the choice of such an intimate scale. This was clearly part of the artist's process. Curator: In that way, the means justify the ends. Through the study of form, Burne-Jones developed his own visual language. Editor: It is true! It is a valuable look into the artist's method, a testament to the hours spent in the studio. Curator: Indeed, a beautiful object. Editor: Yes, something for us both to appreciate.