Spring 

Edward Burne-Jones created Spring using watercolor and gouache, demonstrating a deft command of these delicate materials. The work's hazy, dreamlike quality comes not just from its subject matter, but also from the way these paints have been applied, layer upon layer. Burne-Jones was part of the Arts and Crafts movement, which reacted against the rise of industrial production by emphasizing handcraft. Here, the artist's focus is not on conveying the raw energy of labor, but rather on invoking a sense of quiet, contemplative beauty. The figure's flowing garment drapes softly and elegantly, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere of the painting. This careful composition of color and form would have been labor-intensive, requiring repeated applications of thin washes, to create the desired effect. The subject is not simply represented; it is evoked through the sensitivity of the artist’s touch. The painting invites us to appreciate the skill and care taken to create this serene vision of Spring.