Studies of Arms; verso: blank c. 19th century

Editor: This is Edward Burne-Jones's "Studies of Arms," a pencil drawing held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a fascinating array of disembodied arms. What do you see in this piece beyond anatomical study? Curator: I see the rise of the professional artist, with the art market defining art production and reception. Burne-Jones, part of the Arts and Crafts movement, was responding to industrialization. Are these studies for a larger composition, perhaps alluding to labor or gesture in a narrative? Editor: That's a great point! I hadn't considered the social commentary angle. It enriches my understanding. Curator: It makes you think about the purpose and presentation of the human figure and how artwork like this fits into the grand scheme of Victorian art, doesn’t it?