The Mill 1882

Edward Burne-Jones created *The Mill* using oil paint to present his Pre-Raphaelite vision, which was steeped in medievalism and classical mythology. This painting captures a dreamlike scene of women in flowing gowns, evoking a sense of timelessness that speaks to the aesthetic values of the late 19th century. The ethereal quality of the women hints at the era’s complex relationship with femininity, where women were often idealized yet simultaneously marginalized. Burne-Jones was deeply inspired by the writings of people like John Ruskin and William Morris, who were critical of industrial society. This piece is a celebration of the female form and highlights a rejection of the rigid gender norms of the Victorian era. The figures’ expressions create a sense of longing, inviting us to reflect on the emotional and social constraints placed upon women during this period.