Knight in Armour, Study for "The Briar Wood" c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Edward Burne-Jones's "Knight in Armour, Study for 'The Briar Wood'". The detail in the armour is striking, yet the knight's stance feels somewhat ethereal. What symbols do you see at play in this piece? Curator: The armour itself is a potent symbol. It represents not only protection but also a certain code of conduct, a set of ideals. Burne-Jones is drawing on centuries of Arthurian legend and its visual representations. Editor: So, is it about more than just physical protection? Curator: Precisely. The knight is entering a 'Briar Wood', a place of enchantment and danger, armed with more than just steel. He's embodying virtues, facing inner trials as much as external ones. Note the shield. What might it signify? Editor: Perhaps a blank slate, or potential yet unrealized? It's fascinating how much weight these visual symbols carry. Curator: Indeed. And how they continue to resonate across time, shaping our understanding of heroism and sacrifice.