Head, Study for Mirror of Venus c. 1873 - 1877

Edward Burne-Jones created this study in pencil for his painting, Mirror of Venus. The qualities of this drawing are simple: graphite on paper. But these materials gave Burne-Jones the opportunity to experiment. Notice how he's worked and reworked the figure’s soft curls, and the subtle gradations of tone in her face. The relative ease and portability of this medium allowed Burne-Jones to quickly sketch out his ideas. Drawing has always been a quick and effective method of recording and developing ideas. The Victorian era saw an increased interest in art and design, as well as the rise of art education. Drawings such as this one would have been part of an academic training that goes back to the Renaissance, with its emphasis on life drawing. Next time you're looking at a painting, remember it is often the result of many hours of material exploration. It is an excellent example of labor, time, and a material-based process.